CO 340 Redlands Roundabout
Project Overview
In December 2018, crews completed this project by converting the existing Colorado Highway 340 (Broadway) and Redlands Parkway intersection into a roundabout. The team also resurfaced the roadway, reconstructed pavement, improved guardrail and drainage, replaced striping, and upgraded sidewalks to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Safety benefits of roundabouts.
Project Facts
- Cost: $5 million
- Contractor(s): Elam Construction
- Location: On CO 340 from mile point (MP) 8.5 to MP 9.63 in Mesa County, west of Grand Junction
Background
From 2010 to 2015, there were 28 crashes at this intersection, the vast majority of which were left-turning, rear-vehicle collisions. Improving the safety of the CO 340 and Redlands Parkway intersection is CDOT's top goal, in addition to enhancing aesthetics of the intersection and addressing future projected traffic volumes.
Because roundabouts are so effective at reducing these types of accidents, CDOT can improve the safety at the intersection by constructing a roundabout.
Safety Benefits of Roundabouts
- Statistically, roundabouts are vastly safer than conventional signalized intersections*:
- 35% reduction in all accidents
- 78% reduction in fatal and injury accidents
- 89% reduction in accident-related pedestrian injuries
- Unlike a signalized intersection, roundabouts don't force drivers to stop when there is no traffic. Motorists are only required to stop when there is conflicting traffic.
- With fewer stops and hard accelerations, less time idling means reduced pollution and fuel use.
- They require no electronic operation, which results in operational cost savings.
- They complement other community values with quieter operation and are aesthetically more pleasing.
Fact:
* Source: FHWA-SA-07-015 Crash Reduction Factors Sept 2007
History & Timeline
In 2017, CDOT embarked on a three-phase project to make the intersection of Colorado Highway (CO) 340 and Redlands Parkway safer by paving sections of the roadway and constructing a roundabout. See the phasing plans.
Why a Roundabout?
From 2010 to 2015, there have been 28 accidents at the CO 340 and Redlands Parkway intersection. The vast majority of these involved rear-end and left-turning accidents.
Roundabout-type intersections are extremely effective at reducing these types of accidents. Learn more about the safety benefits of roundabouts.
Timeline
2012
Mesa County embarks on an initiative to provide improved bike and pedestrian facilities.
Resulting projects:
- Limekiln Gulch Pedestrian Bridge (Construction in 2015)
- Red Canyon Pedestrian Bridge and sidewalk, Vista Grande to Mesa Grande (Construction in 2016)
- Sidewalk construction from Kansas Avenue to Vista Grande Drive (Construction in 2017)
The City of Grand Junction begins preliminary design on the CO 340 (Broadway) and Redlands Parkway Intersection Improvements project (roundabout).
Project Goal:
Provide roundabout design that will effectively handle future projected traffic volumes, enhance the aesthetics of the intersection and significantly improve safety for all users.
2013
Ourston Roundabout Engineering (nationally acclaimed roundabout experts) hired to review traffic projections and evaluate roundabout configuration
2014
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) secures safety improvement funding for final design and construction of roundabout.
Funding Requirements:
CDOT funding source is available only for a roundabout-type intersection due to the associated safety benefits.
2015
CDOT hires Muller Engineering Company to complete the final design and construction documents.
Continuity of Design:
Ourston Roundabout Engineering (now GHD) continues to provide roundabout expertise.
2016
CDOT project will resurface several portions of CO 340 between Rimrock Drive and East Greenwood Drive.
2017
CDOT project will resurface CO 340 (with ADA improvements) from approximately East Greenwood Drive to just west of Redlands Parkway (construction to be coordinated with Roundabout project if possible).
Roundabout construction
2018
Project complete
Schedule & Traffic Impacts
- There are no further traffic impacts. Project is complete.
Open House
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, CDOT hosted a public open house at Redlands Middle School in Grand Junction to discuss the CO 340 (Broadway) and Redlands Parkway Roundabout.
Meeting attendees:
- Viewed the roundabout intersection final design plans, which focus on providing a safer travel experience—with a projected reduction of 115 injury accidents (by year 2040).
- Were able to drop by any time between 4-7 p.m.
- Viewed a presentation.
- Learned about project improvements, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
- Were able to ask the project team questions.
Phase 4 Overview
Work will consist of: installing curb and gutter in the pork chop and center island, fabric, median cover stone, installing permanent light poles, and final striping.
