What are the cost estimates and funding sources for the Preferred Alternative?

The plan implementation cost was last estimated in 2016 and is listed below. Construction costs have increased significantly since 2016.

  • With bus lanes, the capital cost would be $102 million with an operation and maintenance budget of $3.2 million annually.
  • With a light rail, the capital cost would be $428 - $527 million with an operation and maintenance budget of $6 million annually. The light rail would run from the airport to Rubey Park. 

A new estimate will be sought during the plan development phase of the project.

Funding for the plan will be a combination of local, state, and federal dollars. However, we won't know the specifics until there is consensus in the community on the path forward for a new bridge.

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1. What are the challenges of rebuilding the existing Castle Creek Bridge?
2. If we proceed with the Preferred Alternative, what’s next?
3. What are the cost estimates and funding sources for the Preferred Alternative?
4. What would the impacts to the community be during the construction of the new bridge, land bridge(s), and new road?
5. Why can’t one of the other alternatives be considered instead of the Preferred Alternative?
6. Can we build a tunnel so that we maintain the open space and trail connections?
7. Can we proceed with a light rail now?
8. How much does light rail cost?
9. Would the connection to Cemetery Lane remain?
10. Why is it important to Aspen residents to have a second bridge to get in and out of Aspen?
11. Is the current Castle Creek Bridge safe?
12. Have other bridges in our community ever had weight restrictions?
13. When was the Castle Creek Bridge last inspected? What is the condition of the current Castle Creek Bridge and when will it be inspected next?
14. Can the current Castle Creek Bridge be repaired?
15. If Castle Creek Bridge needs to be repaired or replaced in the same location, what is the expected duration of that project?
16. If the Preferred Alternative is built, will the old Castle Creek Bridge be transferred to the City of Aspen?
17. What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
18. Why do we have to talk about this now? Life was just starting to get back to normal!
19. What would the impacts to the community be during the construction of a new bridge, land bridge(s), and new road?
20. How much will building the entire Preferred Alternative cost?
21. Who is going to pay for the design and construction of the project?
22. How will the residents from Cemetery Lane and McLane Flats get to the hospital and schools?
23. What is Pitkin County and Snowmass Village's role in this project?