DID YOU EVER WONDER? Pulloff on I-25 North is not a parking lot
Question
There is a pullout with parking spaces (approximately 10) off the I-25 northbound lane between Northgate and Baptist roads. It was built sometime last fall and has been closed since it was finished. What is it for?
- Linda Taylor
ANSWER
It's a chain-up pulloff for truckers who need chains to go over an icy Monument Hill.
There will also be a chain station at the Larkspur rest area for southbound trucks.
The chain stations are kept closed to keep people from turning them into parking lots.
They've been closed this warm winter because they haven't been needed, said Bob Wilson of the Colorado Department of Transportation.
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
After the new intersection at Shoup Road and Highway 83 was completed, there was a pedestrian bridge built under the viaduct. The bridge is on the northeast corner and it crosses Black Squirrel Creek. The bridge goes to nowhere. Why was the bridge built and what are the plans for it?
- Coy and Merf Freeman
ANSWER
Eventually, this is planned as part of the extensive trail system for our area. It's part city and part county with plans to connect, according to Chris Lieber of city parks and Brian Kay of county parks.
Kay said the east-west trail at Black Squirrel Creek is the La Foret Trail, which goes through a culvert beneath Interstate 25 to connect with the Santa Fe Regional Trail. The development of the city's portion of the trail is tied to the phased development of Flying Horse, which includes trail corridors in its master plan.
For a look at the full trails map go to springsgov.com and click "Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services."
OLD GAS STATION
On the corner of Union Boulevard and Boulder Street there used to be a Vickers gas station. It has been deserted for years, the sign is still there and the lot is always full of weeds. Who is responsible for that lot and why hasn't it had something done to it?
- S.N.
ANSWER
It's being offered to a new tenant or owner as "build to suit." Until then it would be the responsibility of the property owner/manager to clean it up.
