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Introduction
This project fact sheet provides an update on the status of the Eagle
County Airport Interchange EA including a summary of the project, where we
currently are in the EA process and the future activities.
Overview of the Project
As noted in our last newsletter of August 2001, the Colorado Department of
Transportation, CDOT, Region 3, has been conducting an EA to address the
proposed construction of a new interchange on I-70 and a connection road
to link with Cooley Mesa Road. The purpose of this project is to provide a
direct access to the Eagle County Airport from I-70.
Where We are in the Process
The last newsletter discussed the alternatives analysis. Alternatives
identified through the scoping process were screened to determine if they
met the purpose and need for the project, regulatory requirements and
engineering and environmental constraints. Through this screening process
alternatives were advanced forward into the detailed environmental
analysis. Each alternative will undergo analyses on a variety of factors,
such as:
- Traffic and Safety
- Air Quality
- Noise
- Socioeconomics
- Environmental Justice
- Land Use
- Visual and Aesthetics
- Hazardous Materials
- Section 4(f)/6(f)
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- Cultural Resources
- Paleontology
- Ecology
- Wetlands
- Floodplains
- Hydrology & Water Quality
- Geology and Geologic Hazards
- Soils
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These factors will be weighed along
with construction and design constraints, to help identify the preferred
alternative for the project.
The primary considerations in the design of proposed alternatives include:
1) grades of the connecting road, which must meet the American Association
of State Highway Transportation Official safety guidelines of less than 6
percent, 2) a four-lane configuration to meet expected traffic volumes in
2020 and 3) minimal roadway footprint size to minimize potential impacts
to wetlands and sensitive riparian habitat.
Alternatives retained for further environmental analysis are K1, F
modified, L, and L1. Approximate locations of these alternatives are shown
in Figure 1. All of the alternatives are based on extensive road bridging
to cross the Eagle River Valley from I-70 to Cooley Mesa Road. Bridging
would also occur over I-70 and the Union Pacific Rail Road tracks and US6.
Two locations are being considered for the alternatives to connect with
Cooley Mesa Road.
Where We Go from Here
The results of the environmental analysis will be described in the EA. The
EA document will be made available at local public facilities for a 30-day
period for agency and public review and comments, a Notice of Availability
of the EA will be posted in local newspapers, on the project website, and
postcards will be sent to those on our mailing list. A public hearing may
be held upon request during this time frame.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as Lead Agency may determine a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on findings and the
recommendations proposed by the EA. A FONSI indicates that the proposed
alternative has no significant impact on the environment.
Public Involvement
We continue to welcome your interest and comments regarding the
Eagle County Airport Interchange EA. You may contact CDOT, R-3:
Keith Powers, Resident Engineer,
(970) 328-6385
Tammie Smith, Planning/Environmental Manager,
(970) 248-7226
To obtain information, to be added to the mailing list, update your
mailing address, or send your comments, contact Michelle Li at J.F. Sato
and Associates, 5898 South Rapp Street, Littleton, CO 80120 (303)
797-1200.
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