South Bridge noise wall based on flawed traffic counts
Dear Editor,
Discussion continues about funding and design for a South Bridge project. This letter is about one element of the design, an Airport Road noise wall.
The proposed noise wall would be a 10-foot-high barricade stretching 900 feet along Airport Road at the Cardiff Glen neighborhood.
The wall is not needed, and here is why.
Close study of the 2013 South Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA) reveals that projected traffic and noise levels, which prompted consideration of the wall, are flawed and inflated.
The 2013 South Bridge EA based its future traffic counts on a massive but short-lived proposal to expand Sunlight Mountain Resort that fizzled in 2008.
A 2020 update to the EA claims that traffic levels on Four Mile Road of about 2,700 vehicle trips per day at present could grow to as much as 19,500 vehicle trips per day, with most of that traffic also using the South Bridge corridor.
That estimated explosion in traffic counts, rooted in an all-but-forgotten ski area expansion, would increase noise levels along Airport Road enough to justify a noise wall under federal highway rules.
None of this is based in reality.
Now that city officials are looking for cost-cutting options, the $1 million noise wall is being questioned. City staff is revising South Bridge traffic projections and noise impacts based on realistic growth up Four Mile.
We expect this updated analysis to confirm that an Airport Road noise wall is not needed and should be removed from the South Bridge design.
Heather McGregor and Steven Smith, Glenwood Springs
‘When you heart is broken open, please don’t close it’
Something that I have learned over the course of the last five years, which has become increasingly prominent as I learn to revere the experience of being imperfectly human, is the beauty of the experience of living in the concept of “and,” rather than “but/or.” Life is a beautiful paradox, and these last couple of weeks has had me feeling like I have hopped on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Two Sundays ago, I had brunch with two of my favorite humans, Seth and Marshall. Two Sundays ago, I hugged my friend Marshall and told him “I love you,” not knowing it would be the last time. Forty-five minutes later he died when he was hit riding his motorcycle by a car that ran a red light.
When I accept the experience of living and emotional conflict ceases to be conflict when I experience what seems to be opposite emotions, needs or desires. I am able to feel everything as it is, without falling into any kind of confusion or internal chaos. My heart is completely broken and full of all encompassing love. I have been devastated to my core, and full of the most intense gratitude for being alive that I have ever experienced. I have laughed and cried at the same instant. My tears are full of grief and joy. I am angry and I am full of compassion. I am shattered and I am complete.
I am no stranger to loss, yet I have never witnessed one life have such an enormous impact as I have come to witness in these last two weeks. In the short few years I have known him, he has inspired me and taught me more through his kindness, courage, humor, and selflessness.
One by one, I have witnessed friends and strangers rise in their grief to hold one another, to go door to door to deliver the news, to all gather together just hours later to cry and hold one another. This is what matters. Love and connection.
I am in awe. My intention is to carry this into my daily life, knowing that even in pain, the experience of being human is priceless. When your heart is broken open, please don’t close it. Stay open.
Love,
Megan Forrest, Glenwood Springs
Keep pets safe from summertime heat in cars
High temperatures are here and many of us are going on road trips this summer. I would like to remind everyone that if you plan to take your pet along, it is not a safe idea to plan on leaving your dog in your car while you are enjoying daily activities.
The interior of a vehicle can reach 102 degrees in 90 minutes on a 75-degree day (weather.gov), studies show that cracking the windows makes little to no difference. If you plan to take your pet, plan ahead to find pet-friendly accommodations (check out roadtrippers.com or bringfido.com) so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful country as you travel.
If you do see a pet trapped in a hot car, make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If you cannot, call the local non-emergency police number. Stay with the animal until assistance arrives.
Emily Stec, New Castle
A roundabout request for CDOT
As part of your roundabout construction in New Castle, please remove the bump left from a spill during your last chip and seal on highway 6. It’s in the southbound bridge approach, about 12 – 15 feet south of the northbound stop sign for the four-way stop. Not hard to find.
Also, please fill the new potholes in the concrete between exits 87 and 97 on I-70.
Thank you.
HL Williams, New Castle
Where’s the justice?
Regarding the convict to artist article: This guy gets 15 years for a non-violent crime? Then you have the Wall Street bankers during the recession stealing billions and I don’t believe any of them saw one day behind bars. Isn’t our legal system great?
Ken Fry, Glenwood Springs
May’s unsurprising complaining
To The Editor:
I read Tony May’s comments about losing his appeal(Glenwood Post 6/19/24). He blamed his loss on a “dysfunctional legal system.” The classic complaint of everyone who has ever lost in court, blame the system. There is nothing worse than a sore loser. Next time have a legitimate case. Let’s vote this guy out of here so we can get on with our lives and the education of the children of the Re-2 community.
Chip Nealy, New Castle
