The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s intended loss is the Brush Creek parking lot’s unexpected gain.
Asphalt being shaved from the taxiway, tarmac and runway at the airport is being recycled to cover a gravel lot at the intersection of Brush Creek Road and Highway 82. The recycling will save Pitkin County “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said public works director Brian Pettet.
The initial plan was to haul the shaved material, called millings, to the landfill from the airport. There it would have been piled, stored and used as projects arose.
Instead, the airport, public works and road and bridge department teamed to divert the millings straight to the Brush Creek lot. Pettet said about 5,400 tons of asphalt are being removed from the airport. About 200 tons will be retained for various projects there. That leaves 5,200 tons for use elsewhere by the county. Most of that will be used at the Brush Creek lot.
Pettet said an existing gravel lot that is 550 feet by 200 feet will be covered, or about 110,000 square feet. Dump trucks are transporting the material. Two graders are spreading it and then a roller is compressing it.
The asphalt is compressing surprisingly well, Pettet said. He is uncertain how long it will hold up.
“We’ll assess it over time,” Pettet said. “With this, it’s wait-and-see. Right now it looks fantastic.”
He credited the experienced road and bridge staff the applying the expertise to make the plan work.
If the material lasts for five years, that defers a major expense for the county, he noted. Whenever it has to be replaced, it provides an excellent base that will help an upper layer last longer, he said.
The recycling project is saving money is numerous ways. First, it saves the airport money because of the reduced hauling distance to the Brush Creek lot rather than the dump. Second, it saves the county money from storing and eventually hauling the millings out of the dump. And third, it’s helping Pitkin County stretch its dollars further with the Brush Creek lot revamp.
Covering the Brush Creek gravel lot with fresh asphalt would cost a minimum of $15 per ton plus the grading work, Pettet said. Avoiding that expense produces the major savings.
The savings will allow Pitkin County to devote funds to new bathrooms and associated water and sewage treatment at the lot. The plan is to improve the lot to make it more attractive to commuters who would use it for bus rides into Aspen and Snowmass Village.
Meanwhile, the repaving at the airport and other maintenance will be finished by May 16.
Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials want to move fast on a short-term plan for the newly acquired Sweetwater Lake property. At the same time, local governments are requesting they move slowly…
Massage TherapistWe are hiring therapists now for full time employment. Therapists are paid per massage plus commission and tips. The…
Collision estimator or automotive experience required. Experience with CCC and I-CAR training is a plus. Willing to train the right…
Looking for seasonal bus drivers for an outdoor adventure-based company.Positions available are Full-time and Part-time.Seasonal Position with flexible schedule.Competitive pay…
Monthly Housing Stipend, Sign-On Bonus & Relocation Support Offered!Aspen Animal Hospital is a busy four doctor practice with an excellent…
Drywall Flatbed Delivery Driver needed. Non-CDL. Full time, will train, full benefits package. Apply in person at Outwest Drywall Supply.…
Aspen Integrative Medicine seeks a full-time office manager with experience in the medical field. Applicant must be able to handle…
Full-Time Registrar Needed at Eagle Valley Family Practice $1000 sign-on bonus Medical office experience and bilingual preferred.
Mountain Waste & Recycling is ready to hire! We provide generous Health Benefits, year round work & a 401K matched…
The Aspen Chamber Resort Association is conducting a search for: Membership Services Coordinator Full-Time Year Round: Benefits include ski pass,…
Seeking for a seasonal server/houseman (full time-seasonal ) start date - June-September. $35+/hr.
Minimum 3-5 years experience, leadership qualities, strong work ethic, competitive salary, passionate. Email resume: samantha@cprestaurants.com
We have an immediate openings for an experienced Alignment Mechanic to join our team in at a very busy full…
Olde Towne Moving & StorageNow hiring movers. Pay starts at $18.00.970-384-4444
Please call 970-379-0911 for more details
YouthZone is Hiring! Mental Health Counselor Every day, the staff of YouthZone works to make a significant difference in the…
Distributed Energy Resources Specialist Glenwood Springs Full-time position develops, promotes, and implements Holy Cross Energys (HCE) Distributed Energy Resources (DER)…
Sunburst Car Care in Carbondale Hiring: Cashiers, Car Washers, Detailers, Lube / Tire Techs. Please apply within at 745 Buggy…
Novus Glass Repair and Replacement Technician A family owned business looking for individuals who aspire to provide high quality results…
Looking for a houseman/grounskeeper $25+/hr - 40 hours per week. Monday through Friday
Transmission Tech for R & R Min 2 yrs exp FT 8-5 Drug and Alcohol Tested Reply by email or…
What now following Glenwood Springs voters' decision to repeal the 480 Donegan annexation?Owners should rethink plans for residential development and bring it back to city council Owners should proceed with commercial development under county zoning City or other entity should buy the property for a 100% affordable housing project Any development should await the outcome of the city's comprehensive plan update Make it a city park/open space View Results Loading ...
What now following Glenwood Springs voters' decision to repeal the 480 Donegan annexation?
Do not sell my personal information