Construction on 24 Road and G Road continues with the closure of G road from 23 ¾ to 24 road for work on the new roundabout. G road is expected to reopen at the end of the workday. A detour route is in place to accommodate for the closure.
The next step of the Transportation Capacity Expansion program on Monday, February 6, 2023, which is to widen 24 Road to five lanes, construct a modern, two-lane roundabout at the intersection of 24 Road and G Road, build bike lanes and sidewalks, add landscaping, and install street and pedestrian lighting. G Road between 23 ¾ and 24 Road will be closed to traffic on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Detours will be in place and drivers are asked to use alternate routes that day.
Widening of G Road will include the section between 23 ½ Road and 24 ½ Road, and the widening of 24 Road will occur between Leland Ave. on the south to the Canyon View Park entrance on the north.
“This project is part of the transportation loop around the city and will not only help to alleviate traffic congestion but will improve the safety of routes for bicyclists and pedestrians accessing Community Hospital, Canyon View Park, and other area businesses,” stated Trent Prall, Public Works director. “After the road construction is completed, landscaping and an art installation will be added to the roundabout to beautify this major entrance to the city.”
As construction continues through the summer and through the end of the year, only one lane in each direction will be closed at a time to minimize the disruption to motorists. During much of the construction process, impacts to the existing 24 Road corridor will be minimal; however, the project does include several utility crossings and roadway transitions that will necessitate road closures. The city and the contractor, United Companies, are committed to minimizing the disruption to the traveling public and area businesses. In addition, while most of the work will be conducted during the week between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., there may be construction taking place on Saturdays and overnight to reduce the impact on drivers.
This project to widen and improve 24 Road is a key component of the “loop” that connects I-70 on the north, 24 Road on the west, Riverside Parkway on the south, and 29 Road on the east which will provide access to the interstate, shopping, industry, the riverfront, recreational opportunities, and large residential portions of the valley. For the past 25 years, Grand Junction has been working to bring the “loop” project to fruition which, once complete, will have seen a significant investment.
In addition to work on 24 Road and G Road, the city will complete the remaining 3/8 mile pedestrian/bicycle trail between Mesa Mall and Canyon View Park along 24 Road. The 10-foot-wide trail will provide a safe, low-stress pathway for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. The project improves the connection for planned high-density housing, Community Hospital, shoppers, commercial businesses, and those using regional park/athletic fields.
Project closures and traffic impacts will be updated on the city website and included in the weekly Traffic Alert notice published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.