During the Mesa County Commission’s Sept. 15 public hearing, commissioners approved a $4.6 million contract for construction of Phase II of the 32 1/2 Road improvement project.

The county said in a news release that this will enhance traffic safety, pedestrian mobility and stormwater management along 32 1/2 Road from the north side of the Grand Valley Canal to Front Street in Clifton. Work will start in late September or early October. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.

The roadway will be completely rebuilt and widened. Sidewalks with accessible curb ramps will be added, and better drainage infrastructure will help with stormwater management. Because of the high number of broadside crashes at the intersection of 32 1/2 Road and E 1/2 Road, a roundabout will be put in as part of this project.

According to the news release, following a thorough review of seven bids that were submitted, Mountain Valley Contracting Inc. was determined to be the most qualified, lowest bidder.

Previous work on 32 1/2 Road included replacing the bridge over the Grand Valley Canal and connecting the roadway south of E Road, where it previously didn’t go all the way through.