Weinberger: Bridging the pages of Aspen’s history

The controversy about the straight shot into Aspen has been hashed and rehashed in these pages and before City Council. Whatever view one takes, it is incontrovertible that the straight shot alternative is a huge risk, many unknowns.

What is not unknown is that it will lead only to a small reduction in congestion, cost hundreds of millions of dollars, profoundly alter the zeitgeist of the city, and lead to new dangers — not just for wildlife. Folks will see the green light at Seventh Street and hit the gas, approaching Main Street at 50 miles per hour or more.

There is a simple, inexpensive solution to the whole matter, one chosen by many municipalities to reduce traffic and encourage public transportation: Build a parking lot before the traffic circle, and provide frequent free van/bus service into the city on the bus only lane on the revised Castle Creek Bridge.

Daniel Weinberger, M.D.

Aspen