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Council votes down continuation of Highway 40 sidewalk project amid cost concerns
Summary
Staff reported $66,000 in grant commitments but said original engineering failed CDOT standards; council voted against pursuing redesign and continuation, and asked staff to notify funding agencies and explore legal remedies against the prior engineering firm.
Town staff told the council that the Highway 40 Sidewalk Improvement Project has approximately $66,000 already committed through Department of Local Affairs and CDOT grants but that the original engineering plans contained multiple errors and did not meet CDOT requirements. Staff said CDOT recommended qualified traffic engineering firms and indicated a possible grant-extension of about one year to allow redesign.
Supporters emphasized pedestrian safety along Highway 40 and the potential to add traffic-calming features. Opponents warned that, even with grants, the town could face construction and local matching costs “in excess of $200,000,” and questioned whether the project should compete with sewer, water and other infrastructure priorities. Council Member Nicole Ratcliff moved to continue pursuing the project and retain a traffic engineer; the motion (seconded by Marshelle Gray) failed on a roll-call vote (three Yes, four No). Council asked staff to notify funding agencies, determine remaining grant obligations and consult the Town Attorney about possible legal action against the prior consultant.
