By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
Residents of Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction are invited to a public meeting to discuss an interchange at Interstate 70 and 29 Road, a press statement from Mesa County reads.
The community meeting is designed to allow residents to review design options and offer input toward the interchange following presentations. The meeting is from 5-7 p.m. June 4 at Bookcliff Middle School Gym, 540 29 1/4 Road.
“An I-70 interchange at 29 Road will improve connectivity, community access and economic opportunity,” said Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis. “We hope community members will join us on June 4 to discuss design options and provide valuable input for this project.”
In 1999, the need for an interchange in northeast Grand Junction was identified. Since then, studies have identified its benefits and potential environmental impacts. Previous studies have also positioned the city and county for future state and federal funding opportunities.
“The I-70 interchange at 29 Road is the last section of the transportation loop in Grand Junction and will provide the final connection to improve regional access, while reducing congestion within our city center,” said Grand Junction Mayor Abram Herman. “This interchange is a key component of the city’s transportation network which will provide critical local and regional access, resulting in increased economic vitality while reducing long-term traffic concerns.”
In 2022, local governments developed a vision and goals for future design concepts. An extensive stakeholder outreach process also helped build consensus and document key issues and opportunities with local businesses, schools, economic development, airport and planning organizations, the press statement reads.
Following the presentation of design concepts to the public, a design will be developed based on several factors, including environmental impact, community context, cost and long-term maintenance, impact on local property owners, and efficiency within the regional transportation network.
Full project information and detail can be found here.