Major structural changes on the way to downtown Idaho Springs

A mobility hub, parking garage and vehicle roundabout were some of the changes outlined by city and business leaders during a Business and Community Promotions Board meeting with Idaho Springs Tommyknocker Brewery residents listening and asking questions.

The Business and Community Promotions Board, led by downtown merchant Sadie Schultz and Idaho Springs Mayor Chuck Harmon, outlined several changes coming to downtown and discussed the challenges of construction delays on I-70 affecting the tourism economy impact.

The city’s sales tax revenue fell 1.8% in October and “long-term pain” for retailers is expected going forward as construction and blasting delays continue on I-70 through Clear Creek County, Harmon told the crowd of more than 60 people.

Harmon also discussed the city’s ongoing discussions with U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Colorado’s 2nd District about federal funding to supplement city coffers during I-70 construction.

Harmon said there will also be a promotional campaign for attractions and vendors in Idaho Springs, scheduled to begin Jan. 1, with a budget of more than $260,000 in city funds.

According to program improvements outlined at the Nov. 21 meeting: “The City of Idaho Springs is developing a holistic program to improve regional and local transportation mobility while improving connectivity and safety for downtown residents and visitors.”

Specific changes include a roundabout at Exit 240 on I-70. The 13th Avenue roundabout will “improve pedestrian and cross-traffic visibility and provide physical reinforcement for drivers exiting I-70 to accommodate the slower speeds of commercial and residential areas, protecting pedestrians and directing visitors to available parking spaces.” to manage,” it says to city planners.

Adjacent to the roundabout, Idaho Springs is working with the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Department of Transit and Rail on a statewide program “to implement investments in transit facilities with the goal of increasing ridership,” according to CDOT.

Idaho Springs planners believe a mobility hub near I-70 would improve public transit by providing transit access and a bus turnaround point. According to the city, the hub will provide affordable, reliable and accessible mass transit services for visitors and residents.

According to city planners, a parking garage and parking improvements are also planned for the city center.

Consistent with the planned improvements, several conceptual designs for the parking garage have been completed in various configurations and locations, while impacts on the historic nature of downtown Idaho Springs continue to be determined in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Offices.

Harmon said funding for the downtown projects will include a variety of state and federal grants. Harmon said the city has already received $2.4 million in funding in the form of a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Planning Grant.

According to Schultz, balanced sustainable growth is the goal of the construction projects in Idaho Springs.

“I just want everyone to be heard,” Schultz said. “We’re better because of the turnout we’re getting here in Idaho Springs.”

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