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Effective beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, until further notice. These restrictions apply to all private land and BLM managed public lands within the boundaries of the Grand Junction Field Office. For more information visit the Fire Restrictions webpage.
 

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Orchard Avenue safety project moves into preliminary design

July 21, 2026

Plans to improve safety and connectivity along Orchard Avenue, also known as E ½ Road, are moving forward.

On July 21, the Board of Mesa County Commissioners approved a $1.1 million agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to complete preliminary design and environmental reviews for about 1.6 miles of corridor.

  • The work will identify and design potential improvements to roadway safety, traffic operations, drainage, utilities and routes for pedestrians and bicyclists. It covers:
    Segment 2 from the west side of 30 Road to Hoover Court and from the east end of Lewis Wash to west of Warrior Way.
  • Segment 3 from 29 ½ Road to 30 Road, including the Grand Valley Canal crossing.

HDR will survey existing rights of way and improvements, develop preliminary roadway, intersection, and canal crossing widening layouts, investigate possible utility relocations, and prepare preliminary cost estimates. The firm will also complete the environmental impact studies required before Mesa County can use its federal BUILD grant to advance the Orchard Avenue Safety and Connectivity project.

This agreement covers preliminary design only and does not authorize construction. The work is expected to take about two years.

Mesa County will hold a public open house when the plans reach the 30% design stage. Residents will be able to review the proposed improvements, ask questions and provide feedback. Details will be shared as the project progresses.
 

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An aerial view of active road construction on Orchard Avenue shows excavators, loaders and drainage pipe installation, with traffic control in place and the Grand Mesa visible in the background.