IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Widening Interstate 70 through the mountains to ease congestion would destroy historic areas, hurt the environment, and fail to solve the traffic problem, Clear Creek County residents and government officials said at a hearing Wednesday night.

"Nobody in the I-70 corridor wants to see T-REX moved up here," said Sandra Sajbel, of Floyd Hill, referring to the multiyear, multibillion-dollar project to widen Interstate 25 through the Denver metro area. "Are we willing to destroy the Colorado that everyone comes here to enjoy and admire?"

More than 30 people spoke at the first of 10 hearings on the Colorado Department of Transportation's plans to relieve congestion on the main route to the state's mountain resorts. Only one spoke in favor of widening the highway.

Most favored a monorail, an option transportation planners say is too expensive. Ed Rapp, of Idaho Springs, said cost cannot be the only issue. "We have to nurture these mountains for future generations."

Several speakers said the disruption from construction would drive tourists away. "Our county cannot survive this kind of economic downturn," said Clear Creek County Commissioner Joan Drury. She said businesses in the county are already struggling.

"The Western Slope tourism economy will be put in jeopardy," said Kevin O'Malley, also a Clear Creek commissioner.

Project manager Cecilia Joy said planners realize business would decline during the 15 years of construction, but would recover.

Officials of several local governments said they hadn't been given enough time to study the project, and asked that the period of public comment be extended beyond the scheduled March 10.

There will be nine more hearings to discuss other ideas, such as widening the interstate to six lanes, reversible carpool or toll lanes, or a special bus lane on a fixed track.

The costs of fixing the corridor are estimated between $2 billion and $4 billion, according to a study conducted for the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Many people in the mountain town are concerned about who will pay for it and what it would mean for their way of life.

"I don't think mass transit is the total answer because I can't get my canoe or atv on the bus," said William Miller, with Idaho Springs.

"My big concern is for most of us who live up here. The four lanes are working very well for us," said York Gulch resident Laurie Beckel.

The next hearing is Saturday in Westminster. A final decision will be made next year.

Additional Resource:

To find a meeting near you click here