What Is The Context Sensitive Solutions Process?

The I-70 Mountain Corridor Traffic and Revenue Study uses the 6-Step Process developed for the I-70 Mountain Corridor Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). The guidance and processes developed for CSS are incorporated in the Record of Decision for the I-70 Mountain Corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and are used for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) projects in the corridor between C-470 and Glenwood Springs.

Following Federal Highway Administration guidelines, the I-70 Mountain Corridor CSS process is collaborative and multi-disciplinary, to ensure that a broad range of stakeholders are involved in designing transportation facilities that are appropriate for the physical surroundings and preserve aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources.  The I-70 Mountain Corridor CSS guidance outlines processes and provides aesthetic guidance for transportation projects.

How Does The I-70 Mountain Corridor Traffic and Revenue Study Use CSS?

Our entire process reflects the I-70 Mountain Corridor CSS guidelines. Our process (above graphic) is based on the 6-Step Process developed for the corridor.

A Project Leadership Team oversees the project and champions CSS principles. The PLT has developed a Context Statement, and identified Core Values, Critical Issues and Success Factors that play a central role in developing, analyzing and screening alternatives. The CSS Aesthetic Guidance developed for the Mountain Corridor is reflected in the design and analysis of the alternatives.

A multi-disciplinary Technical Team advises on the development and analysis of alternatives. Thirteen Issue Task Forces have been organized to advise on specific issues critical to the study.