Current Scenario

Ketchum/Sun Valley currently has traffic congestion during peak periods. In addition, the area will experience growth in businesses and hotel rooms, secondary or primary residences, and multi-family units within the next ten years. The City of Ketchum will remain the region’s core commercial hub.

The following points support this assumption. They are not necessarily listed in order of priority or importance:

Key intersections in Ketchum/Sun Valley are currently congested at peak times during both winter and summer.
Potential exists within the next ten years for additional hotel rooms, multi-family units and single-family homes to be built in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area:

Ketchum has approved, or is currently in the approvals process for four new hotel projects within the city limits. Completion of these projects will add approximately 300+ hotel rooms, and residential accommodations to the local tourist market. Sun Valley Company also plans to develop new hotel rooms and residential accommodations at the base of River Run ski area.
Sun Valley Company plans to develop the White Clouds area in Sun Valley with 30 new luxury home sites and up to 140 multi-family units.

National hotel consultants, economic analysts and the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber of Commerce report that demand exists for these new hotel properties. The Chamber Tourism office reports a need for “four and five star accommodations” based on requests and inquiries from potential visitors and conference planners.
The addition of new properties will increase commuters/employees coming to Ketchum, thereby increasing traffic congestion.
Many citizens and business owners in Ketchum believe a shortage of parking exists.
Sun Valley Company has conveyed that it fully supports downtown Ketchum remaining the area’s key commercial core. Ketchum currently provides tourists and residents with restaurants, retail, tourist services and entertainment options.

Growth in new hotels and other development over the next 10 - 20 years will increase transportation problems for both locals and visitors requiring innovative, long-term solutions. Residents of the area will see increases in traffic both in the Ketchum core and in the River Run area.

The following supports this assumption:

Traffic congestion will increase between three key activity centers – Sun Valley Resort, downtown Ketchum and the River Run ski area.
The entire Ketchum street system is affected by congestion on Main Street (State Highway 75). With no improvements, traffic forecasts for Highway 75 are approximately 60% growth from 2000 to 2025.
By 2019, travel delay (for cars and trucks) and vehicles per hour at many key intersections of Ketchum will almost double from current levels.
Commuters and employees dominate downtown parking in Ketchum leaving limited available space for visitors and shoppers.
The current transportation system is comprised of private cars and a public transportation system. Current busses in the system are diesel-powered. More busses would need to be purchased to meet forecasted demand.
Ketchum’s Master Plan calls for a pedestrian/cyclist friendly downtown core and City leaders are committed to that concept. Limited surface stall parking capacity exists in town for an increase in cars. No structure parking is available.
Cars and trucks overshadow downtown Ketchum detracting from the pedestrian and bike atmosphere the city would like to promote.
Residents/locals will experience increased congestion in reaching in-town destinations and the River Run area.
Downtown Ketchum’s retail and entertainment venues suffer because of poor connections to other parts of the valley.
The National Ski Areas Association reports that environmental issues are of interest to tourists who frequent resorts. ”Skiers make decisions on vacation destinations based on ‘green’ factors.” Sun Valley Company agrees that “green-ability” is becoming a key marketing factor. Diesel buses do not fit that profile.
Sun Valley and Ketchum are not perceived by potential visitors as being forward thinking with regard to the environment and progressive, eco-friendly transportation.
A Study by LSC Transportation Consultants in 2009 showed alternative transportation could dramatically reduce vehicle trips during winter and summer, easing traffic congestion for residents and visitors.
We need to maintain the quality of place in our community.