The City of Aspen
has canceled the Power Plant Road turn restrictions experiment effective
immediately.
The experiment
started on June 28 and prohibited left turns from Power Plant Road onto
Cemetery Lane, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
“We’ve seen no
significant decrease in traffic in the West End, which was one of the goals
with this experiment, the other being to speed traffic on Hwy 82 by keeping
cars from ‘cutting in line’ from Cemetery Lane,” said City Manager Steve
Barwick.
City officials also
saw an increase in traffic on 8th Street during the experiment, with
vehicles cutting into Main Street traffic at that point.
Additionally, the
Aspen Police observed unsafe conditions on Cemetery Lane, with vehicles turning
around and creating conflicts with pedestrians and bicycles in the area due to
the experiment.
“We’ve seen frustrated drivers, unsafe
scenarios and overwhelming public comment against this experiment,” Barwick
said. “It can’t be considered a success, so we are ceasing the experiment
immediately.”
Barwick said full
traffic reports and details would be made available at a later date and that
Aspen City Council would consider other traffic alternatives in the future. Aspen
Police will be increasing patrols in the West End for a transitional period.
The City of Aspen
still encourages drivers to stay on Main Street for the safest and most direct
way out of town while driving. The fastest route remains via RFTA in the bus
lanes.
Drivers should note
that on Monday, July 19, Power Plant Road will be closed until 3 p.m. in order
for paving to occur.