I-70 B South of Rood Improvements (Design Phase) – South of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street

About the Project

I-70 Business Loop is the backbone of the transportation system in Grand Junction, serving as a gateway to regional retail, interregional connections, commuters, employment centers and other local institutional facilities, recreational facilities, and neighborhoods.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has finalized the design phase of the I-70B South of Rood Improvements in Grand Junction from south of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024. Before CDOT’s project, the City of Grand Junction will install water line improvements from February 2024 through April 2024 (schedule subject to change). Construction of the safety and mobility improvements from approximately Third Street to Sixth Street (Phase 7 of construction) is planned to start in 2026.

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

Project Schedule

Winter 2024 to Spring 2024

  • City of Grand Junction Water Line Improvements (subject to change)

Summer 2024 to Fall 2025

  • Phase 6 Construction South of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street

Late 2025

  • Phase 7 Construction approximately Third Street to Sixth Street (pending construction funding)

Final Design

The final design stage includes improved street connections, multimodal improvements, signal replacement, utility infrastructure improvements, lighting enhancements, and landscaping enhancements. The project limits stretch from south of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street. 

These improvements were identified during the 2008 Environmental Assessment and previous public engagement efforts. These and other improvements are part of CDOT’s 10-year plan for improvements statewide. Feedback from the Sept. 29, 2022 and Aug. 17, 2023 public meetings has been incorporated into the final design. 

2008 Environmental Assessment

Purpose and Need

  • Improve traffic flow and capacity
  • Safety for all users
  • Multimodal opportunities
  • Provide effective access

Project Outcomes

  • Access consolidation
  • Improving street connections
  • Separation of traffic
  • Improving bicycle/pedestrian connections
  • Improving utility infrastructure

Access the Project Phasing Map

  • Phase 1 through Phase 5 are completed between 24 Road to Rood Avenue
  • Current project: Phase 6 construction 2024 through 2025

Previous Public Meetings

Previous Public Meeting August 17, 2023

  • This event was an in-person public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 17, in the Mesa County Central Services Building, 200 S. Spruce Street (conference room 40A). The public meeting took place from 5 to 7 p.m. Xcel Energy staff and technical experts were available for questions.

Grand Junction Public Meeting (in-person) August 17, 2023

  • Date: Thursday, Aug. 17
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Mesa County Central Services, 200 S Spruce Street, Conference Room 40A
  • The first public meeting was held on Thursday, September 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa County Central Services Building. Residents, businesses, and property owners along the I-70B corridor from south of Rood Avenue to East Main Street were invited and encouraged to attend the event to learn about the I-70B preliminary designs to improve traffic flow, safety, multi-modal opportunities, and provide effective access along the corridor. CDOT staff and technical experts were available to talk through the designs and next steps. Presentation materials from the public meeting have been added to the project website.

Right-of-Way Information for Property Owners

  • There is identified right-of-way encroachment along I-70B and there may be instances where personal property will need to be removed from the CDOT right-of-way area. If right-of-way acquisition is needed from your property within the project limits from Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street, you will be contacted directly by a right-of-way agent.