Several major road construction projects reached completion across Grand Junction and surrounding areas in 2025, marking a significant year for transportation infrastructure improvements led by the Colorado Department of Transportation and local partners.
Among the largest undertakings was the completion of the latest phase of CDOT’s Interstate 70 Business Loop project, which runs from Main Street to Third Street. Construction on the segment began in mid-2024 and concluded in late fall, continuing CDOT’s multi-year effort to modernize the corridor.
As with earlier phases, the project included new concrete and asphalt pavement, storm sewer drainage upgrades, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility through new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and curb ramps. The work also widened the roadway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction to address longstanding congestion issues.
“It’s the gap,” said CDOT Grand Junction Resident Engineer Kailyn Clark prior to construction. “We’ve done all of our improvements, widening to three lanes through the whole corridor. Then we have a segment that still has two lanes and turn lanes, etc. Then we roll into the other segment to the east that has three lanes already. So getting rid of this pinch point will allow the corridor overall to function better.”
While construction on this segment is complete, CDOT continues to design a planned mobility hub at the triangular property bordered by Ute and Pitkin avenues and First Street. The former GJ Auto Sales building at the site is expected to be demolished in early 2026. CDOT is also preparing to launch the next I-70 Business Loop phase, stretching from Third Street to Sixth Street, with construction anticipated to begin next year and wrap up in 2027.
Another milestone project concluded in December in Clifton, where CDOT and its partners completed work on U.S. Highway 6. The project, which began in late 2022, added two roundabouts at First Street and Fifth Street, along with new concrete pavement, underground electrical infrastructure, stormwater systems and sidewalk improvements.
Construction took longer than originally planned due to unexpected subsurface conditions encountered during utility and excavation work.
“During the project, we encountered several significant engineering challenges,” said CDOT Region 3 Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith. “We didn’t foresee this going into the original design, but through the project, as we started with utilities and the subsurface work, we ran into very poor soils out here. The project ended up ultimately taking a little longer than anticipated because we got into these soils and we had to go back and do some redesign and some work.”
In November, the City of Grand Junction marked the completion of another key infrastructure improvement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new roundabout at Horizon Drive, 27½ Road and G Road. City leaders emphasized the project’s safety and economic benefits.
“We’re investing in safe, reliable and common-sense infrastructure that supports our local businesses,” Mayor Cody Kennedy said.
City officials noted that roundabouts help maintain steady traffic flow, reduce crashes and improve pedestrian safety by limiting crossing directions. The Horizon Drive roundabout also includes a public art installation titled “Great Horizons,” created by artist Seth Emerson Palmiter, featuring imagery inspired by outdoor recreation such as rock climbing and skiing.
Together, the completed projects reflect a broader regional investment in transportation infrastructure aimed at improving safety, traffic efficiency and long-term economic vitality across western Colorado.
Originally reported by Dan West in The Daily Sentinel.
