GRAND JUNCTION, CO — Mesa County is moving forward with design plans to improve traffic flow and create better Interstate 70 connections along the growing 29 Road corridor.
On Tuesday, April 7, the Board of County Commissioners ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Grand Junction to advance the design phase for the I-70 and 29 Road interchange. Mesa County’s projected share of the design cost is $207,875.50.
County officials emphasized that this current step focuses strictly on planning and environmental documentation, not construction. The work will advance the interchange to approximately 30% design and complete the full design for 29 Road from Patterson Road to the interstate.
The 29 Road corridor has long been identified as a key north-south route for the area. Planners say the proposed improvements are designed to reduce congestion, limit traffic cutting through residential neighborhoods, and improve access to nearby schools, parks, and services.
While construction for the project is not yet funded, officials state that completing the design phase now is a critical step. This planning phase is supported by federal funding secured by the city, with local partners contributing a required match.
Advancing the design allows the county and its partners to secure necessary approvals from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. It also positions the project to successfully compete for future funding opportunities or to return to voters with a more defined plan if needed.