Mesa County is moving forward with design work to improve traffic flow on 29 Road, a corridor where demand continues to grow and better connections to Interstate 70 are needed, the county said in an April 8 news release.

On April 7, the Board of County Commissioners ratified a memorandum of understanding with the City of Grand Junction to advance design for the I-70 and 29 Road interchange. Mesa County’s projected share of the design cost is $207,875.50.

This step focuses on planning, not construction, and positions the project for future funding, the news release said. The design work will: advance the interchange to about 30 percent design; complete full design for 29 Road from Patterson Road to Interstate 70; and include environmental documentation required for state and federal approvals.

This phase is supported by federal funding secured by the city, with local partners contributing a required match.

According to the news release, 29 Road corridor has long been identified as a key north-south route. As the area grows, traffic has increased, especially near Patterson Road, schools and new community facilities.

These improvements are designed to: improve traffic flow and reduce congestion; create a more direct connection to Interstate 70; reduce traffic cutting through neighborhoods; and improve access to schools, parks and services

The project also helps spread traffic across the system, giving residents more reliable routes.

Advancing design moves the project closer to construction readiness, the news release said.

Construction is not yet funded. Completing design now allows the county and its partners to: secure required approvals from CDOT and the Federal Highway Administration; compete for future funding opportunities; and return to voters with a more defined project, if needed.

The bottom line, according to the county in the news release, is design work today helps Mesa County prepare for safer travel, less congestion and better connections as the community continues to grow.