Finally, after a lengthy process we’re very close to seeing the Highway 50 improvements become a reality. The engineering is underway and construction is slated to begin in mid-July. An informational meeting about the project will be held at the Salida SteamPlant, 220 W. Sackett Ave. on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to attend if you would like more information about this project.
To see an example of what this project will look like visit the new shopping center across from “F” Street where the developer has installed sidewalk, parkway and lighting that demonstrates the design that is intended for the length of Highway 50 in Salida.
The city comprehensive plan that was created in 2000 indicated a need for improvements to the highway corridor. The city was awarded grant funding to hire a designer who created a draft plan for streetscape improvements. That plan was rejected by the business and property owners along the corridor and by the City Council.
Subsequently a citizen group consisting of business and property owners and two members of City Council was formed to try and create an acceptable plan. They became known as the Highway 50/291 Corridor Group.
The Corridor Group conducted two surveys to gauge the type of improvements that impacted business and property owners along the corridors would like to see installed. These surveys had high participant response rates. The information from the surveys was used by the group, with the help of a volunteer landscape architect and volunteer graphic artist, proceeded to put together a plan to present to City Council. In October of 2005 the City Council, through resolution adopted a conceptual plan for the Highway 50 corridor. The proposed streetscape improvements include sidewalks, stamped colored concrete parkways and streetlights.
After several attempts, the City has received over $781,000 in funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for a project total of $977,000. The scope of the project now extends on both sides of the highway from the intersection with CR 107 to the intersection with Holman Ave.
Before any ground breaking the entire project area must be surveyed and engineered, which means every access point along the highway will be scrutinized. The highway corridor group has stated from the beginning of this process that as a result of this project that no harm should come to any business. As part of the installation of the streetscape improvements, curb cuts may stay as they are, be adjusted in size, have the location adjusted or possibly be eliminated.
The city’s engineering firm, Schmuser, Gordon, Meyer, are very close to completing their preliminary design following which the plans will be reviewed by CDOT. As the design is developed, affected property owners will be contacted personally to keep them informed of any proposed changes as the design is finalized. Every property owner will receive from CDOT an access application describing any changes.
The Federal stimulus plan has channeled dollars to CDOT and those dollars can be used on projects that are ready to go, such as our highway improvements. Salida was just awarded $466,666 in stimulus funding. The stimulus dollars spent on our project will reduce the city obligation on grant matching dollars from $195,000 to $83,000.
If you have questions about this project please plan to attend the informational meeting on March 19th or contact Greg Amidon or Dara MacDonald. Download the Highway Corridor Improvement Plan [PDF].
Highway 50 Streetscape Project Chronology
2000 – Comprehensive Plan identifies need for improvements to the highway corridor
July 2004 – Contentious streetscape design plan presented to Council
October 2004 – City Administrator offers plan creation to business & property owners
December 2004 – Formation of Highway 50/291 Corridor Group
January – September 2005 – Corridor Group conducts two surveys and creates concept plan
October 2005 – Highway streetscape concept plan accepted by Council
November 2005 – City applies for grant funding to create demonstration project. Grant is not funded.
May 2006 – City submits successful application for funding of streetscape improvements
September 2006 – City holds design competition for wayfinding signs
November 2006 – Work begins to elaborate on previously adopted conceptual plan
June 18, 2007 – City Council adopts the Highway Corridor Improvement Plan
February 2008 – City goes under contract with CDOT for grant funding and a public meeting with highway business and property owners
May 2008 – City submits successful CDOT grant application for expanded project scope. CR 107 – Holman Ave.
December 2008 – City and CDOT entered into an amended contract for pull project scope
December 2008 – May 2009 – Project design and engineering
March 19, 2009 – Public meeting at the SteamPlant to provide information about the project
June 1, 2009 – Project will be put out to bid for construction
July 15, 2009 – Tentative start date for construction
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