• Community voices concerns and ideas for enhancing safety and accessibility

Afton, WY — The town of Afton is taking proactive steps towards enhancing its downtown area with a Corridor Study that aims to evaluate and improve the traffic flow and safety in its central business district. The initiative was formally launched with a community forum held Tuesday, February 25 at Town Hall, where residents voiced their concerns and suggestions regarding the future of Afton’s highway system and downtown connectivity.

Violet Sanderson, Afton’s town administrator, emphasized the unique challenges the town faces: “The town of Afton is not like most Wyoming towns. We are tasked with the responsibility of servicing the needs of the highway system and our downtown community.”

With recent growth in Afton, the need for a comprehensive assessment of the highway system’s interaction with the downtown area has become very apparent. The Corridor Study, funded through federal sources, aims to create an actionable plan focusing on 3rd Avenue to 6th Avenue.

Sanderson outlined the study’s objectives: “We’re evaluating crossings, parking, and turning options, aiming to maintain a smooth traffic flow along the federal highway that runs through Main Street.” The discussion at the forum included considerations for new traffic signals, speed limits, and signage changes to enhance safety and accessibility.

One of the more ambitious proposals discussed involved the Los Cabos building, which the town owns. Sanderson noted, “We do have some plans in the works… to bring some sort of breezeway or passthrough to connect to the public parking downtown on Main Street.” This would not only improve access but potentially increase foot traffic to local businesses.

The forum revealed a significant concern among residents about safety. According to preliminary findings by WWC Engineering, 74% of participants expressed feeling unsafe in certain areas of the downtown corridor. Suggestions included relocating crossing points from under the iconic Elk Horn Arch to 4th and 5th Avenues, as many pedestrians cross the street in various locations regardless of designated walkways.

Key points from the public discussion highlighted the need for immediate infrastructure changes. A local service provider emphasized, “No matter what, it has to be maintainable,” pointing out the challenges posed by snow removal. A suggestion to introduce a refuge island at busy crossings was also met with support from the community in attendance.

Many residents called for a stoplight at the busy intersection of 4th Avenue, with one resident stating, “4th Avenue is a busy corner; it’s very detrimental.” Concerns about the high school’s turn location on the highway and Afton Elementary being on a dead-end street and its impact on traffic were raised, with participants advocating for better traffic management, especially during peak school hours.

The town’s plans for the Corridor Study are still in the early stages. “We’ll conduct pedestrian and turning counts,” said a representative from WWC. The study will culminate in November 2025, with a follow-up visit scheduled for July to analyze local traffic patterns during the peak tourist season and potentially in the beginning of the school season.

As the community continues to engage in this vital conversation, Sanderson reassures attendees, “There’s a lot of opportunity and possibilities” for transforming Afton’s downtown into a safer and more connected space. The forum marks just the beginning of a collaborative effort to ensure that downtown Afton remains accessible and safe for its community.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the forthcoming discussions and contribute feedback as the town looks to finalize its plans for the Corridor Study.