Next phase of construction on I-70B begins in February

Project Announcement

Jan. 28, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Community welcome to attend Open House scheduled for Feb. 2

Mesa County — The Colorado Department of Transportation with prime contractor, Native Sun Construction, will begin a safety and mobility improvement project starting in early February. Construction will take place in downtown Grand Junction, focusing primarily on the reconstruction of Pitkin Avenue (Interstate 70B) and Ute Avenue (I-70Z) between Third and Sixth Street. This is the seventh in a series of phased improvements along I-70B. It follows the I-70B South of Rood Improvement Project, which was completed in October 2025.

Both Pitkin and Ute Avenues will be reconstructed into three continuous lanes of through-travel for eastbound and westbound directions. Additional work will include new concrete sidewalk installations, drainage improvements, utility upgrades, new traffic signal installations and plans for landscape beautification. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The safety and mobility improvements driving this $13.8 million project were identified in a 2008 Environmental Assessment to address congestion, provide effective business access along the corridor and bring multimodal upgrades for a safer and more comfortable experience for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

I-70B is the backbone of the transportation system in Grand Junction, serving as a gateway to regional retail, interregional connections, commuters, employment centers and other local institutional facilities, recreational spaces and neighborhoods. As part of CDOT’s 10-year plan for improvements statewide, the project is expected to provide critical infrastructure upgrades to meet the needs of a growing Grand Junction.

“These continuing phases of roadway improvements along the I-70 Business route show CDOT’s continuing dedication to the betterment of our roadways and the safety of our commuters, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Regional Transportation Director.

Travel Impacts

  • Daytime work hours will range from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays
  • Some weekend and night work is anticipated as needed throughout the course of construction
  • Drivers can expect Ute Avenue, Pitkin Avenue, Fourth Street and Fifth Street (US Highway 50) to be reduced to a single lane for the majority of the project
  • Additional closures on Fourth Street and Fifth Street may occur temporarily
  • 10 foot width restrictions will be in place on Ute and Pitkin Avenue
  • Speeds will be reduced to 25 MPH in the work zone
  • Streetside parking on Fourth Street between Ute and Pitkin Avenue and Fifth Street north of Ute Avenue will be impacted
  • Business access points are expected to remain open during business hours
  • Pedestrian and bicycle detour routes will be in effect while sidewalks are replaced. Follow all on-site signage to navigate around active closures.
  • Drivers are encouraged to account for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time when driving through the work zone
  • Visit COtrip.org for real-time lane closure updates and road conditions on this project and others throughout the state

Community Meeting

On Monday, Feb. 2, the public is invited to an Open House meeting from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., to meet the project team, ask questions and gather resources about the project. The meeting will be held at the Mesa County Central Services building located at 200 S Spruce St. in Conference Room 40A.

Map showing a phased timeline of completed and ongoing I-70B improvements. Currently, Phase 7 is underway, focusing on upgrades between Third and Sixth Street.
Image showing phased timelines of completed, currently active and future improvements on I-70B through Grand Junction.

Phase 7 Work Zone Map
Map showing construction work zone on Pitkin Avenue and Ute Avenue from approximately Third Street to Sixth Street (Mile Point 5.55 to 5.78 along Pitkin Avenue, MP .88 to MP 1.11 along Ute Avenue) in Grand Junction.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!