CO 82 Aspen Roundabout project wraps up

Pitkin County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor partner United Companies are wrapping up work on the CO 82 Aspen Airport Business Center to Aspen project. Work started in April on what is also known as the Aspen roundabout project. Final striping for the project was delayed due to weather.

Crews reconstructed the Maroon Creek roundabout as part of a larger mobility and safety improvements project on CO 82 between the Aspen Airport Business Center and the City of Aspen. The roundabout reconstruction replaced the existing asphalt surface with concrete paving, which is a more durable surface. Reconstructing the roundabout in concrete provides a stronger, more resilient roundabout, which has been plagued by potholes in recent years. The roundabout reconstruction was completed by July 1 ahead of the busy visitor season in the Aspen area. Asphalt paving operations were conducted at night in an effort to minimize impacts to motorists. Crews also conducted bridge joint repairs to the Castle Creek Bridge, and waterproofing and deck repairs on Maroon Creek Bridge as well as guardrail replacement, traffic control device upgrades and striping improvements.

Roundabout reconstruction is expensive and this project was made possible with support from the City of Aspen, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Pitkin County and the Elected Officials Transportation Committee, which are essential partners in the reconstruction of the roundabout. Each agency contributed to the cost of the roundabout work and has worked closely with CDOT on how best to carry out the project. The City of Aspen contributed $980,000; RFTA contributed $300,000; the EOTC contributed $271,000; and Pitkin County contributed $100,000. During project preparation, CDOT and these agency partners met weekly to discuss impacts and modify construction methods to limit the disturbance areas when possible.