The City of Grand Junction has launched a pilot project intended to slow the speed of traffic along Fourth and Fifth streets.

Between Ute Avenue and North Avenue, Fourth and Fifth streets will become one-lane, one-direction streets.

The first phase of the project includes curb work, chip seal and restriping.

During the pilot project, vehicle traffic will be narrowed to one lane and one way. A bike lane protected by parallel parking will constructed on the right side of the streets. Diagonal parking will remain on the left side of the streets.

“One of the project goals is to increase safety for those traveling through downtown regardless of whether you are in a car, on a bike or on foot,” said Trent Prall, engineering and transportation director for the City of Grand Junction.

“We heard from the community that Fourth and Fifth streets could be improved for pedestrians and cyclists, but that parking remains a key concern for downtown businesses,” Prall added. “This pilot phase provides community members with an opportunity to experience both two-way or one-way lanes as options and share input about their preferences with the city.”

Brandon Stam, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said he was excited about efforts to improve traffic flow, safety and economic viability along Fourth and Fifth streets.

“The original 1981 downtown plan of development and the 2018 vibrant together master plan both highlighted the importance of improving these streets,” Stam said.

“With the new residential units and new businesses in Colorado Avenue, this is an opportunity to enhance the vibrancy of the downtown core while also providing better connectivity to nearby neighborhoods,” he added.

The design is the result of comments provided on a feasibility study of Fourth and Fifth streets conducted in 2022 with additional comments from residents and business owners in 2023.

People can submit comments about the project later in July through the website at EngageGJ.org.