US 6 Palisade Intersection Improvements

About the Project

This safety improvement project on US 6 in Palisade, Colorado (MP 42.45 to 43.01, Rupp Avenue to Iowa Avenue) includes:

  • Reconstructing the US 6/Elberta Avenue intersection into a concrete modern roundabout
  • Re-configuring the US 6/Iowa Avenue intersection
  • Constructing sidewalks between Rupp and Iowa Avenues
  • Modifying or eliminating existing frontage roads, including converting two-way frontage roads to one-way to improve multi-modal access (bicycles and pedestrians)
  • Anticipated reconstruction of approximately 500 feet of US 6 near the Elberta Avenue intersection

Other significant improvements include storm drain, water quality and signing and pavement marking improvements.

Work this Week & Lane Closures for US 6 Palisade Intersection Improvements

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $7.1 million
  • Contractor: KSK LLC
  • Timeline: January 2026 to October 2026
  • Location: US 6
    • Nearest Town/City: Palisade
    • Mile Point(s): MP 42.45 to MP 43.01
    • County: Mesa
US 6 Palisade Intersection Improvement Improvement project Elberta Avenue map
US 6 Palisade Intersection Improvement Improvement project Elberta Avenue map showing improvements to be made from Rupp Avenue to Iowa Avenue in Palisade. This will include a roundabout at Elberta Avenue and US 6, as well as one-way frontage roads both east and westbound and dedicated pedestrian and bike paths.

Project Benefits

  • Improve safety and operational concerns with the existing configuration of US 6 and the following frontage road intersections due to their close proximity to each other:
    • Rupp Avenue (37 1/10 Road)
    • Elberta Avenue
    • Iowa Avenue 
  • Improve traffic flow
  • Significantly reduce intersection wait times by minimizing or eliminating stops
  • Increase safety
  • Reduce severe crashes by eliminating left turns across traffic

Work Schedule

  • Work is expected to be completed late 2026
  • Work hours will be Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • January to Late March - Preparation for construction includes:
    • Rerouting irrigation
    • New storm inlets to aid drainage
    • Clean culverts
    • Grading for storm water drainage improvement
    • Detour installation
  • April to Mid June - Westbound roundabout construction on US 6 includes:
    • Roundabout concrete installation, north side of US 6
    • Asphalt paving on the first level
  • Mid June to Early September - Eastbound roundabout construction on US 6 includes:
    • Roundabout concrete installation, south side of US 6
    • Asphalt paving on the first level
  • September to Late Fall - Final work includes:
    • Concrete installation to tie Elberta Avenue to US 6 and for business approaches
    • Asphalt paving on the final level
    • Striping and signage installation
    • Pedestrian crossing installation

Traffic Impacts

  • During some phases of construction, full road closures with detour routes will be in place
  • Business access will remain open
  • Please be aware of construction vehicles. entering and exiting the work area
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures