Ferry: We need to speak up about I-70

For those who have been involved with the variety of discussions on I-70, it seems as though they’ve been going on for a lifetime. There have been so many studies, committees, and commissions that it appeared that we might never have a solution.

And while I’m not sure we have one now, we’re closer than we’ve ever been.

The most recent group is known as the Collaborative Effort. It was formed last fall after the I-70 Coalition and governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel became so unwieldy that a smaller group of 27 was appointed. They were charged with “reaching consensus on a recommended transportation solution for the I-70 mountain corridor.”

Clear direction was given that participants were to come prepared to represent their respective constituencies at the first meeting in November 2007. Most thought that meant sitting down with their communities and having a dialogue on expectations, tolerances and goals. Probably one of the more disappointing things about this process is that step was never taken in Vail. Our town manager indeed went to the first meeting. But no town meeting was held. No survey was conducted. No dialogue occurred with regard to our ideas for further development of the I-70 corridor.

Nonetheless, the process moved along without our input and actually arrived at a consensus recommendation on May 29.

Over the years, the most significant change was in attitude. By some miracle, compromise was reached when previously it seemed impossible. I’m sure it had something to do with the players, but it had more to do with the timing. Because even though in years past the situation on I-70 was uncomfortable, more recently it has become untenable to almost everyone, as well as dangerous. So there was real motivation to collaboratively work toward a solution.

Led by Clear Creek County, the idea of adding more lanes quickly went to the bottom of the list while other ideas surfaced that provide steps to be taken which, if effective, may permanently eliminate the need for more lanes or at least put that option off for a while.

The recommendation that was finally adopted involves a three-prong approach including non-infrastructure components, a commitment to an “Advanced Guideway System” and highway improvements.

Non-infrastructure improvements include things like increased enforcement, programs for improving truck movements, driver education, expanded use of existing transportation infrastructure, use of technology advancements, promotions and incentives and a shift of travel patterns.

An Advance Guideway System is central to the plan and includes a commitment to evaluation and implementation. AGS includes a variety of high-speed transportation all of which will be studied and ideally some will be implemented.

The third component deals with highway improvements. Floyd Hill to the Twin Tunnels is high on the list along with Empire Junction, Dowd Canyon, Wolcott, Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel. Road straightening, smoothing of curves, addition of auxiliary lanes all are potential options.

The thought is that only when these components are in place and functioning can we analyze where we go next. And the next decisions will undoubtedly be made by another group as the target date for revisiting this discussion is “no later than 2025.”

So consensus was reached after much angst and compromise by all involved. What happens next remains to be seen but at least we’ve moving in a positive direction.
I was disappointed by the consistent lack of participation by Eagle County. At best we would have two to three people at any meeting while Clear Creek showed up in droves.

While I’m at it, thank God for Clear Creek County. They have been the keepers of the gateway and we have been the beneficiaries in many ways. They’re the ones who took the strongest stand on no additional lanes. In fact, we never expressed that position to the group, something that I think most of us agree on. As I said to someone, we’re trying to bury the lanes we have so we sure don’t want more!

Next. “Vail Resorts’ third quarter breaks record!” read the headlines. Does that mean they finally have some money to build housing and parking? I mean with a net income in one quarter of $87.3 million, surely they must have a few dollars left to go towards solving the two most serious issues facing this community. Let’s not forget, they have almost single-handedly caused those problems. I’ll keep reminding you that in 45 years they have yet to build a bed or a parking space. Isn’t it time? Or as was asked in a voice mail to me “When are they going to announce a record-breaking construction project for housing and parking?”

Do your part: call them and write them. To contact the Town Council, call 479-1860, ext. 8, or e-mail towncouncil@vailgov.com. To contact Vail Resorts, call 476-5601 or e-mail vailinfo@vailresorts.com. For past columns, go to vaildaily.com and click on “Commentary” or search for keyword “ferry.”

Kaye Ferry writes a weekly column for the Daily.