Two of Silverthorne’s biggest current projects could now have results as soon as the fall, creating off-highway connections for busy residential areas and expanding a park. 

Officials previously expressed construction for both projects on the west end of Silverthorne could take a couple years, but they are now anticipated to be wrapped before 2024 ends.

Town engineer Deborah Snyder said the Adams Avenue extension project, which will create a connection between the Willowbrook Road Neighborhood and the Smith Ranch Road Neighborhood, is anticipated to wrap mid-October, possibly earlier. The Trent Park expansion is anticipated to wrap mid-November. 

The Adams Avenue extension project began early April, and work on Trent Park began mid-May. Snyder said local contractor Columbine Hills Construction ended up being awarded both of the projects following a bid process and having them both done by the same contractor has helped accelerate the projects. 

Adams Avenue extension

The road extension was identified as a need over four years ago and has since been added to the town’s transportation master plan. Snyder said she is eager to get the extension completed since it will improve Summit Stage operations.

She said the extension will help eliminate a time consuming u-turn the buses have to make on Willowbrook Road by creating an Adams Avenue connection. She added the extension will help improve connectivity in an area of town that is expected to get busier thanks to upcoming development. 

“The idea is to connect both neighborhoods so that the new Smith Ranch can access this awesome amenity, Trent Park, and hopefully, as Smith Ranch develops, maybe there’ll be some retail there that Willowbrook Neighborhood can access by crossing the new road that we’re building,” Snyder said. 

Some residents of the Willowbrook Neighborhood have voiced concern about negative environmental and traffic impacts with the planned road going over a nearby creek. Others voiced appreciation for the off-highway connection the project will provide because it makes for safer bike route for their young children.

In negotiations to acquire the land from the Willowbrook Meadows Owners Association, the town agreed to take care of snow removal and related expenses for the neighborhood in addition to purchasing a parcel from the association for nearly $3,000. 

Silverthorne needed to acquire two other pieces of land to get the project completed including one from Xcel Energy/Westgas, which cost the town $95,000, and one from Shirley Co., which cost the town roughly $43,000. Town staff previously estimated the overall project would cost $3.6 million.

Trent Park Expansion

The Trent Park Expansion includes two asphalt pump tracks, a warming hut, basketball courts, a boulder-play area and a court-games area. Additionally, parking will be added for the park and for the Willow Creek Trailhead. The town also plans to add a bridge over the Willow Creek floodplain.  

Snyder said the town is particularly excited for the pump tracks. One will be for beginners and ADA accessible and one will be for intermediate users. 

“These are (Union Cycliste Internationale) race-qualifying tracks, so we could hold the world championships here, if we wanted to,” Snyder said.

The project is anticipated to cost around $3.5 million. Silverthorne received a $600,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, which is specifically aimed at supporting outdoor recreation. Additionally, the town secured a $1.5 million grant from The Land and Water Conservation Fund.