FAQ

About the Reevaluation

What is a NEPA Reevaluation?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal transportation projects to consider environmental, social, and economic impacts before decisions are made.

The 1998 Entrance to Aspen project completed this process, resulting in an approved design called the Preferred Alternative (PA).

A reevaluation is a formal NEPA step that checks whether those original findings still hold true. Instead of starting over, agencies review what’s changed—such as traffic, environment, or community priorities—to confirm the approved NEPA document is still valid for decision making.
Why is a reevaluation being done now?
There are four main reasons that include:

Castle Creek Bridge is aging: Built nearly 60 years ago, the bridge remains safe but is nearing the end of its design life. Maintenance costs will rise, and weight restrictions could be needed in the future.

Emergency access concerns: Climate change and wildfire risk have increased the need for reliable evacuation routes and improved emergency response.

Travel time challenges: Congestion and delays into and out of Aspen remain high, especially during peak seasons and commute hours.

Community direction: Recent community votes, formal decisions by Aspen City Council and Pitkin County, plus endorsements from Snowmass Village, reaffirm the commitment to move the original Entrance to Aspen plan forward.
Who decides whether the 1998 Record of Decision is still valid?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead federal agency for the Entrance to Aspen project. FHWA works closely with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the City of Aspen to determine whether the 1998 Record of Decision (ROD) remains valid based on current data and conditions.
How long will this reevaluation take?

Understanding the Preferred Alternative

What is the Preferred Alternative (PA)?
The Preferred Alternative is the design that best meets a project’s purpose and need while minimizing impacts. For the Entrance to Aspen, the PA includes features such as:

Realigning SH 82 across the Marolt–Thomas Open Space

Constructing a new Castle Creek Bridge

Adding two general-purpose lanes and two dedicated bus lanes as an interim phase before potential light-rail transit.

Building a short cut-and-cover tunnel through open space to provide connections for wildlife and recreationalists.
Why was the Preferred Alternative chosen?
The 1998 Record of Decision found that the PA best met the project’s 10 objectives, including:

Improving emergency access and evacuation routes

Reducing crashes and eliminating the sharp S-Curve turns

Increasing transit capacity and reliability

Creating direct, smoother access into town

Providing for future transit technologies

Reducing congestion in the West End and Cemetery Lane neighborhoods

Creating an open-space corridor between Marolt–Thomas and the Aspen Golf Course

Adding a continuous trail connection from the Marolt Bridge to the golf course

Supporting cleaner air and livable-community goals
How many other ideas were analyzed?
Can the Preferred Alternative be modified during the reevaluation?

Yes. Minor design refinements can be made as long as they stay within the intent of the 1998 plan. If proposed changes result in new significant impacts that were not evaluated in the original EIS, FHWA would require a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)—a larger, more time-intensive process.
What parts of the Preferred Alternative have been built?
Maroon Creek Bridge

Castle Creek / Maroon Creek roundabout

Owl Creek Road realignment

Brush Creek Park-and-Ride

Expanded transit service

Bus-only lanes on CO 82 from Owl Creek Road to just west of the Maroon Creek roundabout.

Transportation Management measures including limited and paid parking, increased and free transit service, carpooling and car sharing, employer outreach, events and promotion of alternative transportation.
What parts have not been built?
New Castle Creek Bridge

Realigned SH 82

Cut-and-cover tunnel

Dedicated bus lanes / future light-rail provisions
Will the current Castle Creek Bridge still be used?

Timing and Implementation

When will construction begin and how long will it take?

No construction funding has been identified for the project. Jacobs Engineering’s 2024 estimate suggests that environmental approvals, design, bidding, and phased construction for the PA (without light rail) could take about 4½ – 5½ years if funding is secured and approvals are completed.
Why hasn’t the Preferred Alternative been built yet?

Since 1998, Aspen and CDOT have focused on smaller improvements and transit investments—like the roundabout, bus expansion, and paid parking—to manage congestion without major highway construction. Community debate over open-space use and design details also delayed implementation. With voter approval of Referendum 2 in 2025, the City can now move forward.
Will the Preferred Alternative solve traffic congestion?

No single project will eliminate congestion entirely. The PA is designed to make traffic flow more efficient, reduce travel time for buses and emergency vehicles, and improve safety. It also supports future high-capacity transit options to reduce car trips over time.
Will another public vote be required?

Roles and Decision-Making

Who is managing the reevaluation?

The City of Aspen is leading the project in partnership with CDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Jacobs Engineering serves as the lead consultant, with Trulove Communications managing public engagement.
What opportunities will the public have to participate?
Planned opportunities to get involved include:

Two in-person and online public open houses

Various small group meetings

Regular updates and feedback through the project website and email
How will my feedback be used?
Community input plays an important role in focusing the work and helping to inform possible design refinements. Feedback may be used to:

Identify local issues that may not be fully captured in technical data (e.g., trail connections, transit experience, evacuation needs).

Prioritize design refinements the City, CDOT, and FHWA explore—including how intersections function, how open space is used, changes to recreation trails, or how mobility for all users can be improved.

Flag concerns or ideas that may require analysis under the EIS Reevaluation

Guide mitigation strategies to reduce environmental or community impacts.

Inform meeting materials and updates so the team responds directly to community questions and themes.
What happens after the reevaluation is complete?

Environmental Review and Policy

What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?

A Record of Decision is the official federal approval that concludes the NEPA process. It identifies the selected alternative, explains why it was chosen, and outlines the mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts.
Will environmental impacts be reviewed again?

Yes. The reevaluation updates all major environmental studies using today’s standards and data—covering air quality, noise, wildlife, water, historic resources, open space, and community effects—to ensure the 1998 findings are still accurate and that any changes since then are addressed.
What is the “Purpose and Need” statement, and why does it matter?

Comments or Questions

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