government
Sparlin: Human safety must be a top priority
By Camilla K. Sparlin at Aspen Times
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
As the first priority of elected officials is to keep the public safe, it was suggested to the Board of County Commissioners last Wednesday that they invest in production of Highway 82 motion sensors, powered by solar at the critical elk migratory areas of the Highway 82. These sensors would oper...
Key takeaway The Roaring Fork Safe Passages is sadly years off; motion sensors could be ready by the fall migrating season, saving deadly collisions with a 900 pound elk, 6 ½ feet long.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The proposal to install motion sensors on Highway 82, particularly in areas where elk migrate, addresses a critical concern for Pitkin County residents and visitors. The fact that these sensors could be operational by the fall migrating season is a significant advantage, as it would provide a near-term solution to mitigate the risk of deadly collisions with elk. Lowering the speed limit in these areas would also help reduce the severity of accidents. Given Aspen 's location in the Elk Mountains, where wildlife and human habitats intersect, finding effective ways to prevent such collisions is crucial. The Roaring Fork Safe Passages project, although still years away from completion, underscores the need for interim measures like motion sensors to protect both humans and wildlife. By investing in these sensors, the Board of County Commissioners can take a proactive step towards enhancing public safety on Highway 82.
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Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As the first priority of elected officials is to keep the public safe, it was suggested to the Board of County Commissioners last Wednesday that they invest in production of Highway 82 motion sensors, powered by solar at the critical elk migratory areas of the Highway 82. These sensors would oper...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Camilla K. Sparlin at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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