Construction is slated to begin next month on the newest phase of the 32 1/2 Road project in Clifton. This significant undertaking by Mesa County aims to connect two previously completed projects, enhancing the area's infrastructure and improving safety for residents.
The upcoming work will link improvements made to First Street in Clifton, stretching along Front Street to Highway 6, with the roundabout completed at 32 1/2 Road and E Road. Specifically, this phase of the project will connect roads from the Grand Valley Mainline Canal south to Front Street, completing a crucial segment of the corridor.
According to Daniel Larkin, Senior Transportation Engineer for Mesa County, the project is designed to introduce infrastructure that has been historically absent in the area. Larkin explained that while the Clifton area has seen considerable development and an increase in urban housing density and population over the years, some of the older developments were not initially built with urban infrastructure provisions. This has left residents without some essential facilities found in more modern urban areas.
Larkin emphasized the core purpose of the project: to provide a safer way for residents to travel along the corridor. He stated that the project is intended to furnish something that wasn't previously available, which will allow residents to traverse the corridor safely, particularly off the main roads. This addition is expected to significantly improve daily travel for those living and working in Clifton.
Phase 2 of the project includes several key improvements. Among these are upgrades to the railroad crossing located at 32 1/2 Road, a critical point for local traffic. Additionally, the project will see the construction of a new regional stormwater detention facility, to be situated near the Grand Valley Mainline Canal. This facility will play a vital role in managing stormwater runoff and mitigating potential issues in the growing community.
The total cost for this phase of the 32 1/2 Road project is estimated at $4.6 million. Construction is anticipated to conclude by December 2027 or January 2028. However, this timeline is subject to potential delays caused by weather conditions during the winter months, a common consideration for construction projects on the Western Slope.
