For More Information Contact:

Kitty Clemens

Economic Development Director

719-685-9741

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANITOU SPRINGS AHEAD WITH NEW TRAFFIC PLANNING TECHNOLOGY

Manitou Springs, Colorado (April 29, 2004) Manitou Springs’ timing could not be better for planning a reconfiguration of the traffic lanes on Manitou Avenue. Technology that originally allowed engineers to analyze just one intersection at a time now allows the characteristics of an entire roadway to be simulated. Synchro/Sim traffic software released Version 6 in January of 2004 and Nolte Associates, the consultants working with the City of Manitou Springs are using this state-of-the-art technology to simulate a new Manitou Avenue with roundabouts, parking, delivery trucks and peak traffic volumes. While this software has been available in a limited form for several years, the release of Version 6 allows engineers at Nolte and Associates to plug virtually any roadway condition into the computer to simulate how traffic will flow. Every little detail such as traffic spurts exiting the Cog Railway during summer months can be programmed into the software

Manitou Springs has been trying to implement a revitalization plan since the late 1970’s. The traffic patterns have been studied by several firms over the years. One of the most extensive studies was completed in 1998. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) approved the study and adopted a traffic plan for infrastructure improvements in 1999 which were never implemented. In 2002, traffic engineers went back and updated the study. In 2003, the update was used to request federal transportation grants for the City and in 2004, the Economic Development Council brought renowned Dan Burden of Walkable Communities Inc. to conduct a walkable audit of Manitou Avenue. His recommendations for a “road diet” on Manitou Avenue are incorporated into the preliminary plans for the downtown revitalization and the conversion from 4 lanes to 3 lanes with wider sidewalks.

Manitou Avenue is actually a federal highway. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and CDOT will have final say in the construction. The City of Manitou Springs and CDOT are working closely to insure a smooth transition to a new traffic configuration. Synchro/Sim Software is helping them work toward a goal of applying a thin coat of asphalt on Manitou Avenue and restriping before construction begins.

The goal of the construction is to improve quality of life for area residents. Removing the visual pollution of overhead wires which currently mask Pikes Peak will give residents and visitors a new “billion dollar view.” Putting the Avenue on a “road diet” will allow for 97 additional (legal and safe) parking spaces located east of the 600 block and west of the 1000 block of Manitou Avenue. A “road diet” also will calm traffic to posted speed limits, making for a much more user friendly pedestrian environment. Giving people a reason to get out of their cars will improve retail sales tax collections which fund the bulk of City services.

Manitou Springs Ahead is a citizen driven volunteer effort to implement the Manitou Avenue Master Plan.  Citizens from numerous community groups formed Manitou Springs Ahead to submit charitable grant requests, solicit individual legacy gifts and work with government agencies on final design and construction in historic downtown.  Progress updates are posted on the Internet at www.manitouspringsahead.com.