Construction is under way on improvements to U.S. Highway 6 in Clifton.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and United Companies, the contractor on the project, have begun work on U.S. Highway 6 just west of the intersection with the Interstate Highway 70 Business Loop.

The project will realign and update traffic patterns while adding two roundabouts, center medians and an eastbound lane.

Pedestrian and bicycle connections through the corridor also will also be improved.

Scheduled for completion in the fall of 2024, the project is designed to improve drivability for motorists as well as safety for pedestrians, including the nearly 400 children who attend nearby Clifton Elementary School.

Two lanes of the highway will remain during construction, as will access to local businesses.

There could be times, though, when motorists must use local streets to connect to the post office and businesses in the work zone.

Motorists should expect an additional 10 minutes of travel time on both eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 6 in Clifton. Access to side streets could be closed for short durations during construction.

This project is the third of three roadway improvement projects along the U.S. Highway 6 corridor through Mesa County during the 2022 construction season.

A resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 6 between Clifton and Palisade as well and Colorado Highway 141 between U.S. Highway 50 and the Colorado River bridge on Orchard Mesa was completed in May.

A resurfacing project on North Avenue from First Street to the Interstate 70 Business Loop through Grand Junction is close to completion.