CONSTRUCTION SLATED FOR SPRING 2023 Frontier Paving Inc. has been contracted to construct modifications to the parking/pullout areas at North Star Nature Preserve. Construction is slated to begin in April 2023. The project began with the trimming/cutting of trees in November 2022.
Before the design of the project, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails secured a lease from the Colorado Department of Transportation for a defined portion of the Hwy. 82 right-of-way adjacent to North Star Nature Preserve. It gives OST the ability to manage public uses and related facilities within the ingress/egress to the Preserve, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, and enhance the North Star user experience. See the North Star Parking Improvements Planset (above) for more information about the project as it has been designed.
Public input related to parking improvements, generated during the 2020 North Star Management Plan process, was reviewed and integrated into the plans. The Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission gave the project Location and Extent Review approval on March 1, 2022.
On Dec. 7, 2021, the Open Space and Trails Board reviewed the proposed designs. The presentation to the board and parking schematics prepared at that time are available above. In the spring of 2022, the board conducted a site visit to the parking areas contemplated for changes. The improvements will require realignment of the East of Aspen Trail in some areas, paving, fence installation, a concrete barrier/buffer separating parking from the highway and, where necessary, limited removal of trees to manage parking or trimming trees to improve sight lines for motorists.
For more information contact: Carly O'Connell Senior Planner 970-970-379-4840 or carly.OConnell@pitkincounty.com