Crosby Avenue, a key connector in Grand Junction, has officially closed between Main Street and West Gunnison Avenue as part of a significant street improvement project aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for all users. The closure will remain in effect until May, with additional closures expected as the construction progresses.

The project, which is expected to be completed in multiple phases, focuses on rebuilding the street to improve conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Crews have already begun the first phase, which involves relocating utilities in the area, including replacing water and sewer lines and lowering a nearby irrigation line.

“Crosby Avenue has historically served as an extension of Main Street,” said Trent Prall, Director of Transportation and Engineering. “That corridor has become more and more important.”

Prall explained that Crosby Avenue serves as a vital connector between downtown Grand Junction and key locations like the Rimrock shopping center and the Railyard apartment complex, both of which have seen significant development in recent years. The city’s goal is to create a low-stress corridor for bicycles and pedestrians while also improving the street’s functionality for vehicles.

Phased Construction and Funding

The entire Crosby Avenue improvement project is budgeted at $3 million, with the first phase alone costing $1.1 million. This phase is primarily focused on utility relocation and other infrastructure upgrades to prepare the area for future work. A significant contributor to the funding for the project is a $1 million Revitalizing Main Street grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation, which will help offset the cost of the improvements.

Prall noted that while the city originally planned to start construction earlier, the timeline was adjusted to allow time to apply for and secure the grant, which will help fund the critical improvements.

Future Phases to Include Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure

The next phases of construction, slated to begin in the middle of summer, will focus on further upgrades to Crosby Avenue, including the addition of a 10-foot detached pathway for both cyclists and pedestrians. These paths will provide safer routes for people traveling to and from the Rimrock shopping area and Railyard, and will also feature new roadway reconstruction, including curb, gutter, and lighting updates to further enhance safety and accessibility.

“We want the corridor to be well-lit,” Prall emphasized, highlighting the importance of creating a safer, more inviting environment for all users. The new lighting will help ensure that the area remains safe and accessible during nighttime hours.

In addition to these improvements, the project will also focus on addressing the road's structural issues, including the removal of a "dip" in the roadway that has caused frustration for drivers in the area.

“That’s gone,” Prall said. “It’s toast.”

Targeted Roadway Design to Improve Traffic Flow

One of the key features of the new design is the narrowing of the travel lanes, which is intended to slow traffic and reduce speeds along the corridor. The redesigned roadway will include dedicated bike lanes to further support the city’s goal of creating a safe and well-connected environment for all road users. The target speed limit for Crosby Avenue after construction is set at 35 mph, which is expected to create a safer environment, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

The city of Grand Junction has emphasized that this project is part of a broader effort to revitalize and modernize key infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the community. The improvements to Crosby Avenue will provide long-term benefits, including safer and more efficient transportation options for residents and visitors.

Long-Term Community Benefits

Once complete, the Crosby Avenue improvements are expected to have a lasting impact on the area, improving accessibility and safety while accommodating future growth in Grand Junction. As the project progresses, the city will continue to work closely with the community to ensure minimal disruptions and maximize the positive impact of the improvements.

This project is also part of a broader citywide initiative to enhance transportation infrastructure, improve walkability and bikeability, and provide better connectivity across key parts of the city. By making these long-term improvements, Grand Junction is positioning itself for future success as a vibrant, accessible, and safe city for all its residents.

Originally reported by Sam Klomhaus in The Daily Sentinel.