I commend the Parks and Recreation Department for it’ quick and efficient engagement of the community on the 32nd Street bridge project
I followed the Herald’s coverage and attended one meeting, and as an avid bike commuter and Animas River Trail user, I support the current proposition.
It seems like perhaps a more detailed accounting of the various options would allay some of the public outcry, as the intricacies of construction budgets and requirements are complex.
It occurred to me when an attendee spoke at one meeting about the surface crossing of 32nd street, that just because nothing has happened yet doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take precautions to make it safer in the future. The grade-separated crossing (bridge) at 32nd street is an integral piece of the ART and connection to nearly 1.5 miles of exceptional trail, serving the growing population north of 32nd and along Animas View Drive. It might encourage north Animas City residents to use the ART more often, as the street crossing is problematic at rush hours every day, as well as keeping the vehicle traffic flowing – it wouldn’t need to be slowed by pedestrians as often.
In my opinion, this is the most important aspect of the project.
City staff and Cathy Metz did an excellent job of explaining the aspects of various options of this architecturally complex, multi-user undertaking, and it is my hope that this project is eventually embraced by the community and becomes another part of our fantastic trail system.
Jess WiltonDurango
