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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, September 8-11, 2018 The Park Record Technology could transform transit in mountainous regions ‘Smart roads,’ Hyperloop pitched for the Rockies SCOTT MILLER Vail Daily VAIL, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Transportation doesn’t have much money to pay for big ideas. But big ideas are still bubbling at the state agency. The Vail Town Council on Tuesday, Sept. 4, heard a presentation from Peter Kozinski, a one-man department for the department’s RoadX Program. That program is designed to envision how technology can improve the state’s transportation system. Some of those ideas are far in the future: Kozinski said the mass market for fully automated cars is probably 50 years in the future. But other ideas are starting work now. Along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor, the department is now working with Panasonic on a “smart road” system. That system uses existing car-to-car communication systems, linking those systems to roadside units that can tap into that communication. State snowplows will be able to use information from those carbased systems. Off the I-70 corridor, CDOT is now installing a section of “smart” pavement in the Denver area. The next spot is a stretch of U.S. Highway 285 on Red Hill Pass, northeast of Fairplay. Using that technology, the road can notify officials about vehicle speeds and, most important, if a vehicle slides off that portion of the highway. That can be a literal life-saver if a vehicle slides off the road in a snowstorm or at night. Another smart-pavement idea will allow electric vehicles to charge as they drive. “If a vehicle can charge from the roadway, you can run an electric vehicle forever,” Kozinski said. Powered lanes could turn CDOT into an energy provider, Kozinski said. That opens a number of regulatory and other questions, he added. On the other hand, officials are working to install inductive chargers on some roads leading to Denver International Airport. That could help create a fleet of electric-powered shuttles to and from the facility. In the mountains, electric motors could be a boon to the trucking industry. Electric motors make peak power immediately and aren’t as affected by thin air and steep grades to the extent conventional engines are. In addition to right-now technology, there are a couple of budding innovations that could fundamentally transform transportation in the state. Hyperloop has identified Colorado as one of 10 potential test areas for technology that uses low-pressure tubes and electricity to send capsules full of cargo or people at speeds up to 700 mph. The first test leg would run about 50 miles between Denver and Greeley. Kozinski noted that the Greeley route was chosen because there’s an abundance of flat, open land in that area. If it’s built, the technology could run the Denver to Greeley route in as little as 6 minutes. A trip to Vail from Denver could take 9 minutes. Kozinski said there have been discussions about not using the I-70 corridor, using the Highway 285 route instead. That would add a few minutes to the trip, he said. In addition to Hyperloop, a shorter-distance technology called Arrivo envisions using shuttles at speeds of up to 200 mph. Kozinski said estimates for that system would make the cost to users about equivalent to tolls charged on the C-470 tollway on the east side of the Denver metropolitan area. Paying for those systems will be daunting, but Kozinski said the state would partner with the private sector on projects. Once work begins and the technology proves itself, private investment could come quickly. And, he added, that new technology is coming — and coming quickly. “You need to think about how this is going to impact you,” Kozinski told council members. “How do you want to set yourselves up for this?” Kozinski said a good first step would be a comprehensive inventory of the area’s transportation assets. Mayor Dave Chapin asked how the new technology might work with a years-long dream of burying I-70 through Vail. Kozinski said if Hyperloop technology comes to pass, there’s really no need. While the idea of a quick trip to the Front Range is alluring, council member Greg Moffet said town and transportation officials need to have deeper conversations about budding technology. “When it’s 30 minutes to downtown Denver, what does that do to us?” Moffet asked. Those conversations need to happen fairly quickly. “Both Hyperloop and Arrivo want to start building meaningful segments in the next three years,” Kozinski said. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Beans Chudley Eddie Murphy Beans is a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix who loves to play and go for walks. He gets along well with other dogs and loves people. He doesn’t seem to mind cats, either! Beano would love a forever home with a family who loves to enjoy the great outdoors and play in the grass. Meet Chudley, a 10-year-old Pomeranian. This handsome senior is very timid and shy and will need a loving home that will take it slow and make him feel safe. He prefers a home with no children or older teens. He is good around cats and other small dogs. Eddie is a 7-year-old Spaniel mix who is a little hard of hearing. Eddie has done well with other dogs but prefers a home without cats. Because Eddie is a little hard of hearing and can be startled easily, he would do best in a home without small kids. Meet Murphy, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix. This happy dog is full of energy! He needs a patient owner who can help him overcome his fears. He is dog-selective but ignores cats. He also prefers a home without small children. He’s an active guy who will make a great companion! Dontay Penelope Pineapple Raspberry Dontay is a 7-year-old grey tabby and white Domestic Shorthair. He is a relaxed and friendly cat who enjoys the company of people and loves to curl up on your lap. Dontay does well with some other cats, and he is sure to be a wonderful companion for years to come! Penelope is a beautiful patch tabby Domestic Shorthair. She’s about 10 or 11 years old and can be a bit shy when meeting new people. If you give her a bit of time to get to know you, though, she will snuggle up in your lap and purr like a kitten! Pineapple is a 2-year-old tabby and white Domestic Shorthair. He’s a spunky and playful cat with lots of energy. He loves to spend time with people and does well with other cats. Pineapple will bring lots of fun, laughter, and love to his forever home! Raspberry is a gentle and sweet 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair. She’s got a beautiful tabby and white coat that is soft as can be! She’s an absolutely darling cat who is looking for a loving family to snuggle and love. She gets along well with other friendly felines, too! Raspberry is purrfectly sweet! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words The Christian Center of Park City The Christian Center is looking for volunteers with a passion for helping the community. Open six days a week, the center needs volunteers (ages 16+) to help in the food pantry, boutique store, and thrift store, and with seasonal events throughout the year. Interested? Fill out an online volunteer application at www.ccofpc. org or contact Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Mauer at jenny@ccofpc.org or 435-649-2260, ext. 15. EATS Park City EATS Park City is dedicated to working with the school district and community to improve the school-lunch program using education as the foundation for change. School volunteers are needed to help with programs like lunchtime taste tests, cooking classes, and community events. Give an hour a week or a few hours a month to support interesting and fun ways to increase Park City children’s healthy habits. Contact eatspc@gmail.com to get involved. for puppies 8 weeks old to 15 months. Guide Dogs for the Blind supports raisers and sitters with organized weekly training and socialization meetings. Basic equipment and complete veterinary care is provided for the puppies while with their raisers. Meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Park City/Heber areas. Contact Stefanie at 435-657-0760 for meeting location or questions; Facebook/SummitGuideDogs, or www.guidedogs.com. Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties Habitat for Humanity invites you build sustainable, healthy and affordable housing as a ReStore volunteer. Do you love to tinker and fix things? Find treasures? Are you looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that is fun and makes a lasting difference for local families? Immediate opportunities include cashier, merchandising, and customer ambassador roles. For more information call 435-658-1400 or visit habitat-utah.org. Girl Scouts Be the Girl Scout volunteer she’ll always remember. As a volunteer with a Girl Scout troop, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day feel like the best day ever. At every turn you’ll be their cheerleader, guide and mentor, helping them develop the skills and confidence that will last long after the meetings are over. For more information, visit http://www.gsutah.org/en/ volunteer-role-model.html or call Heather Smith at 801-716-5109. Help Eliminate Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association’s Utah Chapter has many opportunities available for volunteers to raise awareness and promote community events. Areas of particular need are community education, outreach, research, social media, public policy, communications and development. Positions can also be created depending on interest and passion. Many positions are virtual. Please contact Ronnie Daniel, executive director: rdaniel@alz. org. Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind needs puppy raisers and sitters. Volunteers provide a nurturing, well-rounded, social environment For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers B-7 1990 28 2018 2018 Committed To DEDICATED TO PARK CITY FOR 28 YEARS (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building |