Midland Streetscape Project Update June 8, 2023

Reimagining the Past for a Vibrant Future

Phase 1

Midland Spur Update

The Midland Spur work is proceeding on schedule and on budget. If you haven’t walked by to check out our progress, it’s worth a peek. You will see that most of the work on the western end of the Spur is completed and the surface is ready for grading, sidewalk installation, and concrete. The trench for the water line, the deepest utility infrastructure, is continuing to move eastward. All parking in front of Town Hall, CC Café and the Basalt Clinic Pharmacy will be closed starting Monday, June 12. 

If you would like to receive weekly construction email updates on the project, which include street closures, work details, and impacts, you can sign up here. 

The project team expects that Phase 1 will be completed in July.

We thank you for your patience while the Town of Basalt undergoes an improvement project that is a once in every 50 years (or more) event. We recognize the inconvenience and look forward to seeing an enhanced and vibrant streetscape when the project is completed. 

General Project Update

The Midland Streetscape Project is being completed in phases.  Each phase encompasses a portion of Midland Avenue starting at the Spur and moving eastward to the intersection with Homestead Drive.

Council Update

Town staff will be presenting an update on the Midland Streetscape project to Town Council during the Tuesday, June 13 meeting.  They will give an overview of progress to date and the next steps in selecting a Phase 2 contractor.

Phase 2 Bids

The Town of Basalt requested proposals for the construction of Phase 2 of the Midland Avenue Streetscape project (central portion of Midland Avenue) to solicit a competitive team for the next phase of work. Each bidder was required to provide responses to two construction scenarios: 

• Cost and timeframe for completing the project as quickly as possible
• Projected costs and timeline if no construction was allowed in the summer

The Town received two responses and both proposers reported that not working in the summer would increase quality control risks, increase the price of the project by a minimum of 50%, and would lengthen the project schedule from 2 years to 3-5 years. Both bidders strongly recommended continuous work on the project until it is completed.

Town staff is interviewing both candidates and working through the details of each proposal. Staff will recommend one of the candidates to Council in an upcoming meeting.

Sunday Market

Basalt’s Sunday Market begins on June 18 and runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Due to ongoing work on Midland Spur, the market will be held in the newly renovated Basalt River Park with some vendors in Lions Park. The riverside venue and grassy area provide a great atmosphere to inspire people to linger, shop, and explore.

Business Is Open!

Bike parking at Lions Park is available for our two-wheeling visitors and new bike racks are coming to the Basalt River Park this summer. The Town has also secured a climate action grant to provide free Basalt Connect service for extended hours. The rideshare service runs 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. for the entirety of the summer! Plus, electric bikes are available in the ever popular Basalt We-Cycle stations for free and fun commuting. Or buy your own e-bike with the assistance of the Basalt E-Bike rebate going on now.

Parking along the center of Midland Avenue remains open and is supplemented with parking now available at the Basalt Middle School and Elementary School. 

Please consider Basalt’s climate action initiatives in your choice of travel. 

Summer Concert Series 

The Town of Basalt is pleased to announce its summer Wednesday night free concert series, which features shows at both Triangle Park and Basalt River Park starting June 21 and running through August 30. The concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. and run to 8:30 p.m. and include a supporting act and a headliner. 

The concerts are ideal for picnic dinners. You may bring coolers and meals from home and non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks will be sold on site and proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit at each show. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available as well as light snacks. We encourage you to visit our local restaurants before, during, and after the shows for drinks and dinner. 

The concerts at Basalt River Park will be performed on the newly constructed bandshell. You may have noticed the bandshell’s steel frame being erected this week. This work is proceeding on schedule and on budget, with the first concert at the venue scheduled for Wednesday, July 12.

Stay Informed on Basalt News

Have you seen our new Tuesday ads?

Every Tuesday you can find Town of Basalt news and happenings listed in our new weekly advertisement in the Aspen Daily News on page 5.

Green Team Newsletter

Basalt Green Team advocates for a more resilient and sustainable Basalt. The Green Team sponsors projects throughout Basalt that decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, promote waste reduction, and support overall sustainability. You can stay informed on the committee's news and projects by signing up for the Green Team newsletter. 

More Midland Streetscape Information

You can stay tuned to the Midland Streetscape project at letstalk.basalt.net in English and Spanish. You can contact the project team at midlandstreetscape@gmail.com.

This newsletter you are receiving is for general project information and will be sent when there are project milestones.  Again, if you would like to receive weekly emails with specific updates on construction information, please sign up here.