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

  • 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.
  • West 8th Street Frontage Road Adjustments (Lincoln Avenue to Pharmacy):
    • A shared-use lane is currently active from Logan Avenue to the Palisade Pharmacy parking lot.
    • Drivers should remain alert as this single lane serves both directions of travel.
    • One-way westbound restrictions are in place between Lincoln and Logan Avenues. To access their properties, residents in this block should utilize the alleyway behind their homes.
  • US 6 Detours:
    • Eastbound US 6 is detoured onto the South Frontage Road (G Road) near Rupp Avenue and will detour back onto US 6 near Iowa Avenue.
    • The South Frontage Road (G Road) is eastbound only, no westbound traffic.
    • Northbound Rupp Avenue is closed. Motorists exiting from Rupp Avenue need to detour south to Fairhaven and on to Montclair Avenue or Shiraz Avenue.
    • A delineated two-way pedestrian/non-motorized bicycle lane is in place on the Frontage Road South of US 6 (G Road).
    • Westbound US 6 traffic is detoured into the eastbound US 6 traffic lanes between Iowa Avenue and Rupp Avenue.
    • Westbound US 6 traffic accessing the neighborhoods south of US 6 between Rupp Avenue and Iowa Avenue may take a left turn on Rupp Avenue.
    • Access to Terra-Vin Cellars remains open
    • From westbound US 6, motorists can take a left turn at Rupp Avenue and then another immediate left turn to merge onto the eastbound US 6 detour on the South Frontage Road (G-Road)
  • The following intersections on the north side of US 6 will remain closed:
    • Elberta Avenue and the West 8th Street Frontage Road
    • Iowa Avenue and the West 8th Street Frontage Road
  • Access to local businesses will remain open
  • Bicycle/Pedestrian Impacts:
    • Bicycle/Pedestrian Path-South Frontage Road (G Road)
      • Only bicycles (including e-bikes) and pedestrians are allowed to use this designated lane. Motorized vehicles and golf carts are strictly prohibited from utilizing this path; these vehicles must instead travel within the eastbound lane assigned to general traffic.
  • 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.
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures