By: Curtis Englehart, Executive Director | Grand Junction Economic Partnership 

(October 17, 2024) — 

Smart growth has always been at the heart of our region’s development, and I often reflect on the strategic decisions that have shaped our community. One such strategy has been the long-standing vision for the 29 Road Interchange. 

Since the 1950s, this project has been referenced in local planning documents, and the City of Grand Junction has steadily laid the groundwork to support its eventual realization. This November, our community will have the opportunity to vote on Ballot Measure 1A which will allow Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction to bond for this project and bring this long-term vision into fruition without raising taxes.   

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership and its Board of Directors voted unanimously to support this ballot measure because we recognize its potential to drive economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents. The 29 Road interchange project reflects decades of thoughtful community planning and represents a vital opportunity to invest in the future and safety of our region.  

The Benefits of the 29 Road Interchange 

At its core, 29 Road Interchange works to solve existing friction points in our regional transportation and proactively address our community’s needs as we continue to grow. By providing improved access to commercial businesses and employment centers east and west along the I-70 corridor, the interchange will not only extend the life of our existing transportation systems but will also reduce congestion on local streets.  

This project is designed to address projected regional traffic demands using a multi-modal model that includes pedestrian and bike paths, enhancing the safety for all users. Additionally, the 29 Road Interchange will unlock new commercial and residential development opportunities that will further stimulate our economic growth and long-term stability. Additionally, it will reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility for families traveling to the future Grand Junction Community Center at Matchett Park. 

Investing in the 29 Road interchange is an investment in the future of our community. Improved transportation infrastructure has a direct impact on our community’s smart growth strategies as it helps businesses thrive and attract new investments. As our region continues to grow, we need to ensure that our infrastructure can support this growth. Ballot Measure 1A is a rare opportunity to make a substantial investment in our community without raising taxes.  

Decades of Careful Planning 

The 29 Road interchange is the culmination of decades of careful planning and partnership between Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction. Since the 1980s, it has been an essential component of a comprehensive plan to complete a looped road network within our community designed to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.  This project will finally complete the loop, connecting 29 Road directly to Interstate 70. Development for this project will also include expanding the road between I-70 and Patterson from two to four lanes, providing new pedestrian and bike paths, and enhancing our region’s multi-modal transportation network.  

Numerous local and regional studies have identified the 29 Road interchange as essential to improving traffic flows and its impact will be felt across the region as travel becomes more convenient, allowing people to spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying our community. From 2018 to 2020, Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction conducted a joint Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to evaluate transportation options, the 29 Road interchange emerged as the best option to meet our community’s growing needs. 

As outlined above, this project will not raise taxes but instead allows Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction to bond for up to $80 million using existing sales tax revenues to complete this project through an intergovernmental agreement. Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction are actively seeking grants and funding opportunities to offset the costs of this project. As construction costs continue to rise, we must proactively budget for and embark on this project to ensure long-term success and feasibility.  

As we look ahead to the November vote, our community has a lot to consider as there are several local ballot measures that will undoubtedly impact our economic vitality and long-term growth strategies. The 29-road interchange is not just about building a road; it’s about laying the foundation for future growth and accessibility. By voting YES on Ballot Measure 1A, we are choosing to invest in a stronger, safer, and more connected community.

RESOURCE: Mesa County and City of Grand Junction ballot issue presentation-PDF