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 is in the final design phase of the I-70B South of Rood Improvements in Grand Junction from south of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street. The safety and mobility improvements were identified during the 2008 Environmental Assessment to address congestion; bring multimodal improvements that will allow for a safer and more comfortable travel experience for cars, pedestrians and cyclists; and provide effective business access along the corridor.
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
Summer – Fall 2023
- 90% Design South of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street
- Second Public Meeting
- Xcel Gas Line Construction (schedule subject to change)
Spring – Fall 2024
- Phase 6 Construction South of Rood Avenue to approximately Third Street
Spring – Winter 2025
- Phase 7 Construction approximately Third Street to Sixth Street (pending construction funding)
I-70 B South of Rood Improvements
Access the Project Schedule
Access the I-70 B South of Rood Improvements Project Fact Sheet
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. Construction funding is available, and we anticipate construction will begin in spring 2024. Prior to that, Xcel Energy will install a new gas line in July 2023 through November 2023 (schedule subject to change). Construction for the remaining 1.5 miles from approximately Third Street to East Main Street will be announced when funding has been secured.
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, public meeting has been incorporated into the final design. Project team members will be available to answer questions and provide project details and next steps.
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 Rd. to Rood Avenue
- Current project: Phase 6 is in final design with Phase 6 construction in 2024
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 available for your 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
Click to access the August 17 meeting boards
Previous Public Meeting - September 29, 2022
- 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.
