Downtown East/West Corridors

Concepts were developed to improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians moving east/west through the downtown core of Aspen. Improvements were focused on Durant Avenue and W. Hopkins Avenue from Garmisch St. to Original St. Currently, shared lane markings have been applied on Durant Avenue and E. Hopkins Avenue in downtown.

Proposed Improvements

The proposed improvement for Durant includes enhanced shared lane markings known as “Super Sharrows”. This type of pavement marking is slightly larger than standard shared lane markings and is placed in the middle of the travel lane. The marking is also placed further away from parked cars, helping to minimize conflicts between bicyclists and parked/parking vehicles. See below photos and survey options.

Painted Bumpouts

Temporary treatments are also proposed that would result in painted curb extensions on E. Hopkins Avenue at Aspen Street and Mill Street, and a mini-traffic circle at E. Hopkins Avenue and Monarch Street. The painted curb extensions are a low-cost treatment that will improve sight lines and reduce crossing distances for bicyclists and pedestrians crossing the roadway. They will also reduce the turn radii at the intersections, slowing vehicles as they turn.

The painted curb extensions (from the question above) can also become activated space within the roadway as displayed in Option B below.

The City could integrate a mini-traffic circle with the painted bump-outs, which would also slow vehicles as they move through the intersection, making it more comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the roadway.

Aspen Bike/Pedways

We have created concepts to re-envision how the Aspen Bike/Pedways look and operate. The improvements to the Bike/Pedways were focused on different options for the end-of-block treatment along the corridors, which is currently a stantion with a sign. We also reviewed existing placement of shared lane markings along the corridors and proposed improvements to the marking placement.

Proposed Improvements

The proposed improvements include replacing the stantion as the standard end-of-block treatment with a self-watering planter box. This treatment blends in with the West End aesthetic. It has a larger footprint than the stantion, which will also help slow traffic exiting and entering the Bike/Pedways. Updates to the shared lane marking placement are also recommended.

4th Street

4th Street provides a key connection between the Music Tent north of Gillespie Avenue and Main Street and downtown. A new crossing with a flashing beacon was installed at 4th Street and Main Street, which facilitates access across Main Street. Due to the policy in the West End to have no street lights and minimize light pollution, walking from the Music Tent back to downtown can be dark.

Proposed Improvement

There is a desire from the community to increase the visibility and comfort of pedestrians walking from Main Street to the Music Tent. A proposed improvement to 4th Street would result in a striped pedestrian lane along the corridor. This would provide a dedicated, safe space for pedestrians to walk to and from the Music Tent. This facility could be enhanced through wayfinding signage so that visitors to Aspen were aware of this comfortable and direct route.

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