I-70 TeleCommunications Infrastructure Public Meeting Announcement

November 7, 2011 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Telecommunications Infrastructure along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon - GARFIELD COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the US Forest Service are considering a proposal by Canyon Summits LLC for the deployment of a contiguous telecommunications infrastructure system along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.

The system has been specifically designed to accommodate multiple wireless carriers and enhance emergency services communications.

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE - The project proponent – Canyon Summits LLC – will be hosting an open house on Thursday, November 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Ramada Inn, located at 124 W. 6th St, in Glenwood Springs to present their proposal to the public. Representatives from CDOT, FHWA and the U.S. Forest Service, will be available to describe the review, approval and permitting process. Informational boards explaining the plan’s goals and objectives will be on display at the meeting.

The need for wireless communications infrastructure in Glenwood Canyon has been considered for many years. The plans developed by Canyon Summits LLC endeavor to strike a balance between wireless coverage and protection of the aesthetic beauty of the canyon. Currently, there are well over 1,000,000 visitors and travelers through this corridor on an annual basis. The proposed infrastructure would provide access to emergency service communications. The design proposed by Canyon Summits LLC would enable CDOT to enhance its own communications systems with space within the telecommunications buildings, which are designed to accommodate up to five separate communication providers.

The overall plan is to build a multifunctional communication shelter building at each of the four rest areas along the Glenwood Canyon Corridor. The shelters have been specifically designed to harmonize with the overall character and ambiance of the rest areas. In addition, Canyon Summits LLC has agreed to replace several structures and maintenance spaces that are not compatible with the existing rest area design. Custom “stealth designed mono-pine” sites (designed to look like deciduous trees) are proposed for construction, abutting the shelters, to accommodate multiple carriers. Additional repeater locations are proposed to boost signals where coverage is deemed inadequate.