22 Road projects expected to start in March

Added by admin on 01/10/2013.
Saved under Featured
Tags: , , ,

By Kathleen Goddeyne 

The City of Grand Junction and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be working on some projects near Fruita in 2013. CDOT will be reconstructing the interchange at the on and off ramps to Interstate 70 from U.S. Highway 6 and the City of Grand Junction will be reconstructing a portion of U.S. Highway 6 and the intersection at 22 Road and U.S. Highway 6.

“These two different projects will set the stage for future development in that area as well as address existing safety and congestion issues that are there now,” said Paul Jagim, a project engineer for the City of Grand Junction.

Both of the projects will help with an increased volume of traffic, which will be beneficial as two truck stops are planned for future construction in the area. A Loves truck stop will be located on the north side of the highway line and a Pilot Travel Centers truck stop will be on the south side.

“We’re looking at this project as laying the groundwork for future development in the northwest part of the city,” Jagim said. “We are designing all of these road systems to accommodate that projected further growth to 2035.”

The City plans to break ground on their $4 million project in March and finish in August of 2013. CDOT will spend $3.5 million on their project in June and finish in November of 2013. The new truck stops haven’t set a date for construction, but according to Jagim, Pilot Travel Centers is hoping to run their construction concurrent with the other projects.

“This is a commercial industrial area and this will promote additional development in that area,” Jagim said. “With that in mind, we are taking the opportunity to upgrade that part of the transportation network to accommodate increased commuter traffic there as well as for tourists and visitors. It’s a gateway area.”

An open house will be held for members of the public interested in learning more about the project or voicing their concerns Jan. 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the West Gate Inn at 2210 U.S. Highway 6 and 50.