Glenwood Canyon celebrating 20 years (Aspen: contractors, live, cost)

[ScrewedupClickV2]

Today is the 20th anniversary since the I-70 project opened in the canyon. I made a video presentation of I-70s Glenwood Canyon in honor, and tribute, That I would like to share with you all. Enjoy what is perhaps the most epic 12.5 miles on the Interstate Highway System.
I-70 East Glenwood Canyon 20th Anniversary - YouTube

[jazzlover]

Also, one of the most expensive 12.5 miles of highway ever built on the planet. Anyone who thinks that I-70 has done anything other than wreck Glenwood Canyon never saw the canyon before the Interstate went through. Saying the highway was built with "sensitivity" to the environment is like saying, "He murdered the victim gently." Still murdered.

Lost in the history was the fact that there were practical and much cheaper alternatives than routing through Glenwood Canyon--they were slaughtered by political pressure, much of it from the highway contractor lobby that saw I-70 through Glenwood Canyon for the decades-long cash-cow project that it, in fact, turned out to be. So, the canyon get wrecked, the contractors got rich on the project, and the taxpayers got the bill. Ain't America great, that we can "celebrate" that kind of "hosing" of the taxpayers?

[Idunn]

Given the topography of Colorado, I wonder where other than Glenwood Canyon I-70 could practically have been routed?

As far as interstates go, that through Glenwood Canyon is beautifully designed. For all motorists, it is a lovely drive. A testament for what a lot of money can do, and even applied with a certain sensitivity.

No surprise that so many mountain roads follow rivers, as often the most feasible route. Moreover, such roads can often provide lovely views, providing a pleasant excursion. But only a highway engineer, or those willfully blind, could believe that they are a benign presence having little impact on their surroundings. From the perspective of these canyons as they were once were, untrammeled by mankind, and all inhabitants now present—they are anything but: introducing a huge amount of noise, likely a fair amount of trash, with a good dose of oil and other pollutants regularly washed off into the rivers.

Roads at best, particularly in some places, are an unwelcome necessity. If that through Glenwood Canyon—as far as roads go from that perspective—a rather fine example of what four lanes of interstate can be.

[Robin Rossi]

Originally Posted by Idunn

Given the topography of Colorado, I wonder where other than Glenwood Canyon I-70 could practically have been routed?

As far as interstates go, that through Glenwood Canyon is beautifully designed. For all motorists, it is a lovely drive. A testament for what a lot of money can do, and even applied with a certain sensitivity.

No surprise that so many mountain roads follow rivers, as often the most feasible route. Moreover, such roads can often provide lovely views, providing a pleasant excursion. But only a highway engineer, or those willfully blind, could believe that they are a benign presence having little impact on their surroundings. From the perspective of these canyons as they were once were, untrammeled by mankind, and all inhabitants now present—they are anything but: introducing a huge amount of noise, likely a fair amount of trash, with a good dose of oil and other pollutants regularly washed off into the rivers.

Roads at best, particularly in some places, are an unwelcome necessity. If that through Glenwood Canyon—as far as roads go from that perspective—a rather fine example of what four lanes of interstate can be.

Once, again, I salute Ike, whose vision brought us the Interstate Hwy system.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by Idunn

Given the topography of Colorado, I wonder where other than Glenwood Canyon I-70 could practically have been routed?....No surprise that so many mountain roads follow rivers, as often the most feasible route.....

True. Railroads did the same thing 150+ years earlier. Waterways provide slopes that usually are gentle enough for trains to travel (a 2% grade is a big issue for trains).

For billions of years the rivers cut their way through mountains, which usually saved the horrendous cost in money and lives of blasting tunnels through miles of rock. Rail and highway routes through mountainous territory usually are full of twists and turns, but following the waterways saves all that tunneling.

Topography still matters.

I understand Jazzlover's angst; there are many cities which I think were ruined to varying extents by jamming Interstate Highways right through the center of them.

[Josseppie]

Nice video. I have been on that highway many times going to Aspen and think its one of the best ways to drive to the ski areas from the front range. Now they need to upgrade Highway 50 so its a 4 lane super highway as well to help take the pressure off I-70.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

Nice video. I have been on that highway many times going to Aspen and think its one of the best ways to drive to the ski areas from the front range. Now they need to upgrade Highway 50 so its a 4 lane super highway as well to help take the pressure off I-70.

And wreck another scenic Colorado river canyon. You have no real idea what makes Colorado what it is. Shameful.

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

And wreck another scenic Colorado river canyon.

That is all in the eye of the beholder. Personally I think it would make it better and defiantly easier to drive.

[jazzlover]

Originally Posted by Josseppie

That is all in the eye of the beholder. Personally I think it would make it better and defiantly easier to drive.

You obviously have no appreciation for Colorado's natural beauty. That is a disgrace.

You should think in the context of what Theodore Roosevelt said about the Grand Canyon:

"Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it. What you can do is to keep it for your children, and for all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American... should see."

I feel the same way about the Arkansas Canyon--or the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas" as it was historically known. We've done enough to it. Man shouldn't be trashing it anymore than it has been.

[Josseppie]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

You obviously have no appreciation for Colorado's natural beauty. That is a disgrace.

You should think in the context of what Theodore Roosevelt said about the Grand Canyon:

I love Colorado's beauty and I love how man made structures highlight it and make it easy for me to access the mountains. If we did not have the highways going there I would never be able to see the mountains like I can and do.