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.
  • April to Early July 2026
    Westbound roundabout construction on US 6 includes:
    • Roundabout concrete installation, north side of US 6
    • Asphalt paving on the first level
  • Early July to Mid 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

  • Rupp Avenue: Rupp Avenue is closed in both directions at US 6. Motorists exiting from Rupp Avenue should detour south to Fairhaven Drive and proceed to Montclair Avenue or Shiraz Avenue.
  • South Frontage Road (G Road):
    • Elberta Avenue on the south side of US 6 is closed at the intersection with the south frontage road. (G Road) Motorists trying to enter or exit Elberta Avenue will need to use Vineyard Avenue, Logan Court or Iowa Avenue
    • The South Frontage Road (G Road) is closed at Elberta Avenue. Eastbound traffic traveling to residences between Vineyard Avenue and Iowa Avenue, as well as Terra Vin Cellars, will exit US 6 at the slip ramp just east of the roundabout to access the South Frontage Road (G Road)
  • West 8th Street Frontage Road Closure (Elberta Avenue to 37 1/10 Road): This section is closed to general traffic; only local property owners may access the area. Access to local businesses will remain open.
  • Pedestrians Near the Work Zone: For safety reasons, pedestrians must not enter the active construction area. Those needing to cross US 6 should utilize the designated crosswalks at Rupp Avenue or just east of Iowa Avenue.
  • Bicycle/Pedestrian Impacts: Please refer to the bike/pedestrian detour maps below for more information:
    The pedestrian and Bicycles path is closed between Elberta Avenue and Vinyard Avenue. Anyone traveling east or westbound on the the path must take the detour on Elberta Avenue, Fairhaven Road and Vinyard Avenue.
    The pedestrian and Bicycles path is closed between Elberta Avenue and Vinyard Avenue. Anyone traveling east or westbound on the the path must take the detour on Elberta Avenue, Fairhaven Road and Vinyard Avenue.
    All frontage roads in the construction zone have a one-way traffic vehicle lane and a shared pedestrian bicycle lane. The southwest frontage Road (G Road) is currently open for eastbound traffic. Rupp Avenue and Elberta Avenues are closed at the intersection with the frontage road.
    All frontage roads in the construction zone have a one-way traffic vehicle lane and a shared pedestrian bicycle lane. The southwest frontage Road (G Road) is currently open for eastbound traffic. Rupp Avenue and Elberta Avenues are closed at the intersection with the frontage road.

    • Flaggers are available at the following hours Monday through Friday to escort pedestrians through the work zone between Elberta Avenue and Vineyard Avenue: 
      • Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
      • Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      • Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures