Traffic & Failing Infrastructure

Failing Infrastructure (Level of Service F)

The proposed El Jebel (EJ) Crossing development poses a significant threat to our local infrastructure, specifically the roadway network that is already struggling to handle current traffic volumes.

A Gridlocked Bottleneck at JW Drive and Highway 82 The local intersections surrounding the proposed site, most notably the junction of JW Drive and Highway 82, are officially documented as operating at a failing capacity. The developer's own Traffic Impact Study admits that the Northbound approach (Valley Road) currently operates at a "Level of Service (LOS) F," meaning it experiences an average delay of nearly 90 seconds and is essentially at a dead stop during peak hours. The study also projects that this intersection will remain at LOS F in 2028 and 2050.

Adding 1,000+ Daily Trips to a Failing System Despite this existing failure, the developer has recently expanded their project from 111 units to 163 units—a massive 46% increase in density. This expansion is estimated to add nearly 1,000 daily vehicle trips directly onto these failing roads.

Dumping this massive volume of new traffic into an already dead-stop intersection will completely gridlock the corridor. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a severe public safety issue. When intersections are gridlocked, fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles are delayed when every single second counts.

Dangerous Requests to Waive Safety Codes The developer is requesting a "Variance from Improvement Standards" (VIS). This is a formal request to bypass critical Eagle County safety codes, including standard right-of-way and road widths.

They are asking for these waivers because "no intersection improvements or modifications are anticipated" despite the failing grades at surrounding intersections.

Conclusion We cannot allow the County to waive basic safety requirements just to fit a massive development onto a site with failing roads. The EJ Crossing project is simply too large for our current infrastructure, and approving it would permanently damage the safety and efficiency of our community.