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The SMART 160 Trail Project Where do the ideas for multi modal transportation ideas start and where do they end? How important is this connectivity? The SMART 160 plan began in 2000 as a concept to develop a trail from Durango to Bayfield, a distance of about 20 miles. The acronym stands for Safe, Multi-Modal, Aesthetic, Regional Transportation and 160 refers to the alignment of the trail along US Highway 160. The initial impetus for the Trail came in part from a highway project with plans for major construction resulting in an expressway that did not accommodate bicycles or pedestrians. The Trail concept took shape in public meetings and discussions with CDOT as highway construction began. Community members and agency personnel were supportive and because two existing schools are located near the proposed trail, School District 9R also became involved, with participation of teachers, students and parents. In 2000, Trails 2000 and the County of La Plata drafted the La Plata County Trails Master Plan, which was facilitated by a GOCO planning grant. The SMART 160 Trail was in the top 4 of 100 trail needs identified in this document. Hwy 160 exits as the primary east-west road across La Plata County, and is proving to be a significant development corridor with the Hospital, Mercy Housing, Three Springs and other neighborhoods and destinations slated for the future. All planning partners believe it important to begin work on securing the trail before the landscape becomes overly congested and property values soar. The associated path will serve commuters going to and from Durango, kids going to both Escalante middle and Florida Mesa elementary schools and recreational users in the area. This trail will be a multiple use trail and will offer access to a network of current and proposed trails along Hwy 3 that intersect with Hwy 160. As mentioned, the path is included in both the City and County Trails Plan. Other supportive partners in the process include: The Bureau of Land Management; LaPlata County engineering and planning staff; Board of County Commissioners; CDOT and Goff Engineering. In 2001 the City of Durango furthered its involvement by adopting a newly revised Trails Master Plan that includes the SMART 160 Trail. It was becoming evident that Durango would soon grow to the east and that the proposed trail would likely be within expanding city limits and would prove to be an important infrastructure addition to the incredible network of trails on public lands and within the City limits. Running, walking and riding to those trailheads is an important aspect of total connectivity. Ultimately, creating infrastructure that enables people to get out of their cars and makes walking or riding a bike fun and safe, both preserves our health and the health of our environment. Trails 2000 is facilitating the local trail planning of these groups in combining efforts to promote the best acquisition and construction plans for the SMART 160 trail. Developers, including Three Springs have become significant partners in the SMART 160 planning. Kevin Hall, the City of Durango Parks, Open Space and Trails manager, is a member of our SMART 160 committee and is working diligently to help us make and implement these connections. The planning and preparation for this significant and safe alternate connector is on-going with the goal that it will help the county better prepare for growth, encourage multi-modal transportation, and become a major recreational amenity. Let’s remember, we’re all connected! Mary Monroe is the Executive Director of Trails 2000 and chairs the SMART 160 working group. Mary can be contacted for additional information at info@Trails2000.org. |
