Midland Avenue Streetscape Project

Project Update - August 8

August 8 project update newsletter: here

Phase 2 Water Main Installation Information Sheet

Information Flyer here

Background

The Midland Avenue Streetscape project is a voter approved initiative to improve essential Town infrastructure and beautify downtown Basalt. The project is designed to boost vitality on Midland Avenue, enhance economic development opportunities, build resiliency into crucial infrastructure, improve pedestrian access throughout town, and connect the newly renovated Basalt River Park to historic downtown.

In 2020 the Town of Basalt Master Plan identified upgrades and improvements on Midland Avenue Streetscape as a priority project with the goals of addressing failing infrastructure and ensuring that the heart of Basalt continues to be an inviting and vital location for commerce to thrive. In 2021, 71% of Basalt voters approved the streetscape project.

Below is a rendering of the project design

What is the project?

The project includes both below and aboveground improvements. The project is essential to address aging infrastructure. The result will be a more integrated Midland Avenue that creates opportunities for businesses to thrive and the public to engage with one another in a more vibrant space. This is accomplished by redesigning the physical space on Midland Avenue. The improvements will result in wider sidewalks on both sides of the street, improved ADA accessibility, more natural elements, new parking design with the same number of spaces as there are now, a clearer pedestrian flow between historic downtown and the Roaring Fork River, additional seating downtown, additional public art, and increased parking for bicycles. You can learn more about the multimodal approach here.

Below is a rendering of the project design

What are the infrastructure improvements?

Infrastructure improvements are at the heart of this project. Our slideshow explains the improvements for each of the infrastructure improvement areas. Click on the photo to view the video.

Improvement areas include:

Water | Stormwater | Sanitary Sewer | Electric | Communications | Snow/Ice | Parking | Bicycle | Delivery | Pedestrian/Sidewalk | Crosswalks | Environment

What are the boundaries of the project?

The project includes Midland Avenue from the intersection with Two Rivers Road through the intersection with East Homestead Drive. It also includes the Midland spur between Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road.

What will the project look like?

A robust engagement process that resulted in significant community input helped shape the character and features of the design concept, which leans deeply into Basalt’s historic appearance and includes places to linger, additional trees, and wider sidewalks that flow safely into the streets. The design also encourages slower traffic speeds. The design pays homage to Midland Avenue’s history as a hub in the midvalley railroad corridor. Many of Basalt’s building facades date back to the 1890s when railroad was the major means of transportation through the region.

See before and after video of photos and renderings of specific locations on Midland Avenue.

Renderings of final project

Construction Approach

The construction will be done in phases, moving along Midland Avenue from Midland Spur and heading eastward.

Estimated Construction Timeline

2023

Spring– August - Midland Spur

August through fall – Water line installation. Impacts will primarily be on the south side of Midland Avenue from Alpine Bank to intersection with Homestead Drive. Traffic will be routed to the north side of Midland, with one lane of traffic on Midland Avenue with flaggers. Parking available on north side of Midland Avenue if work allows. Water connections will be done in the fall.

Phase 2 Specifics

• Work on Phase 2 will begin in mid-August and run through the fall of 2023
• The installation of the watermain will consist of a single deep utility trench work during the summer months, and then transition to the service connections in the fall season
• The water line will be installed as a continuation of Phase 1 (near Alpine Bank) and run up Midland Avenue to the intersection with Homestead Drive
• Parking along the north side of Midland Avenue will be intermittently available only if the work scope allows
• One lane of controlled traffic will be accessible during the day, and two lanes of traffic will be accessible at night
• Deliveries will still be accommodated, and the center delivery lane will be maintained where work is not immediately occurring
• The work will be done in sections moving up Midland Avenue
• Temporary asphalt will be installed in the fall until work resumes in 2024

2024

Mid/Late winter through fall – Construction will resume in late winter/early spring 2024 and run through 2024. Work will include installation of shallow utilities, grading, paving, sidewalk work, landscaping, and lighting.

Project Team

Basalt Planning Staff | Basalt Engineering | Connect One Design | Sopris Engineering | Stutsman Gerbaz Inc. | Wember | Azure Drone Engineering | Full Light Communications

Questions about the project?

Reach out to midlandstreetscape@gmail.com