CDOT begins next phase of the I-70 Business Loop improvements project in Grand Junction this week

Travel Advisory

August 28, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Project will improve congestion and bring multimodal improvements to the business corridor

Mesa County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor partner United Companies, began the next phase of the Grand Junction I-70 Business Loop improvements, I-70B South of Rood. The two-season project, which started this week, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Work is occurring in the 3rd Street area with storm drain excavation and installation. Reconstruction of infrastructure will occur at the following locations: I-70B (Pitkin Avenue) and I-70Z (Ute Avenue), Main Street, Colorado Avenue, 2nd Street and 3rd Street. The project includes installing concrete pavement, an asphalt pavement overlay, storm sewer drainage infrastructure, and improved ADA accessibility with new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and curb ramps.

“The I-70 Business Loop is the backbone of the transportation system in Grand Junction,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith. “This business corridor serves as a gateway to the city’s downtown historic district where local residents and area visitors access shops, restaurants, hotels, parks and the train depot.”

Traffic Impacts

  • Work is scheduled from Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Work activity will adjust with daylight hours available in the coming weeks
  • Potholing operations began on Monday, Aug. 26 at the following locations:
    • Pitkin Avenue and Ute Avenue will be down to one lane from 4th Street to 1st Street
    • The intersection of Main Street and 1st Street will be one lane alternating traffic
  • After potholing operations, the work zone will begin on 3rd Street for storm drain excavation and installation with alternating one lane traffic. Business accesses will be open and maintained but could be adjusted to support customer needs
  • Posted speeds through the work zone will be 25 mph. Please take it slow through the cone zone

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

  • Call the project information line at 970-462-7207
  • Email the project team at: [email protected]

Background

The safety and mobility improvements were identified during the 2008 Environmental Assessment to address the following: congestion, bring multimodal improvements for a safer and more comfortable travel experience for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists and provide effective business access along the corridor. Visit the project website to learn more at www.codot.gov/projects/i-70-b-south-of-rood. These and other improvements are part of CDOT’s 10-year plan for improvements statewide.

The project is the next in a series of phased improvements on I-70B. It follows the I-70B 1st Street and Grand Avenue Improvement Project. Construction took place from 2021 to 2022 and was completed in June 2022. More information about the previous project can be found here: www.codot.gov/projects/archived-project-sites/i70-b-1st-street-grand-avenue

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!