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1. Why a roundabout?

Brush Creek Rd. and Wood Rd. is the busiest intersection in Snowmass Village. Looking at current traffic patterns and adequately planning for additional traffic volume in the future (due to continued expansion of the ski area and planned development at Base Village), the Town has been exploring measures to plan for infrastructure improvements for some time. The Town's Comprehensive Plan outlines the desire and importance to keep the rural character of Snowmass and not widen roads. Furthermore, our municipal code dictates that we maintain a level of service grade ‘C’ in Snowmass Village (Level of service measures congestion for roadways and intersections, and is based on numerical data on traffic volumes, speed, and delays).

As early as 2000 a roundabout was deemed as the best option to maintain the character of the community but also meet increasing multi-modal transportation demands with an acceptable level of service. The technical details of the roundabout’s design have continued to evolve since 2004, but the ultimate goal to install a safe intersection for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and provide a welcoming statement to the community while working within the existing design constraints remains.

2. Is this a safe option for pedestrians?

In its current state, the intersection is not well designed for pedestrian crossing. To cross Brush Creek Rd pedestrians must cross two lanes of traffic, as well as avoid vehicles making left and right hand turns. When built, the roundabout will provide several important pedestrian safety improvements including refuges (or islands) which allow pedestrians to cross one lane of traffic at a time. Also, crosswalks placement (recessed from the yield into the roundabout for motorists) forces motorists to first stop for pedestrians, then proceed to the roundabout and yield to traffic, instead of having to do both at the same time.

3. What about impacts to the Snowmass Conoco?

Access to the Conoco gas station has been a key consideration of the design team. Access to and from the station, safety and access for fuel deliveries, and parking have all been issues that the design team has considered and met.

4. What will happen to traffic on Brush Creek Rd. when the roundabout is being constructed?

Similar to the deep utility work that occurred underneath Brush Creek Rd. in 2013, the roundabout project will be phased to minimize traffic impacts on Brush Creek Rd., Wood Rd., and Kearns Rd. as much as possible. During phase 1 & 2, the lanes on Brush Creek road will be shifted, and will be reduced to one-lane. Traffic will still be able to access all parts of the Village, but should expect some delays. Upper Kearns road will be closed during the first phases of the project, but will be re-opened by July 4th.

Upper Brush Creek Road, above the intersection, will be closed during phase 3 of the project, but it will be re-opened by mid-August. A detour will always be available, via Carriage Way.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for you patience.

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5. What will the roundabout look like?

We have several design renderings posted online for you to take a look at. Check them out, here: Project Images and Renderings

6. Where are we now and what’s next?

The design of the roundabout was finalized in early 2016, and contractors started construction during the off-season in April 2016. New bus stops, crosswalks, sidewalks, medians, utility lowering, and paving are all included in this project, and will be completed before the 2016 ski season. Some minor landscaping details will be completed in the spring of 2017.

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Project Updates