The Colorado Department of Transportation is calling on residents to share their views on upcoming improvements to U.S. Highway 6 in Palisade, with work set to start on January 19, 2026. An open house event on January 14 will let people review plans, ask questions, and give feedback before construction begins, aiming to boost safety and traffic flow in this busy area.
Project Aims to Fix Key Safety Issues
Local drivers have raised alarms about crashes and confusion at intersections along Highway 6 near Rupp Avenue, Elberta Avenue, and Iowa Avenue. These spots see frequent wrong-way driving and offset layouts that make turns risky, especially with nearby frontage roads adding to the mix.
CDOT plans to tackle these problems head-on by building a modern roundabout at the Highway 6 and Elberta Avenue crossing. This change should cut down on accidents and make it easier for cars, bikes, and walkers to get around. The project also ties in with Palisade’s own sidewalk upgrades, creating a smoother path for everyone.
Data from recent studies shows that roundabouts can reduce serious crashes by up to 80 percent in similar setups. In Colorado, other roundabout projects have led to fewer delays and safer roads, based on traffic reports from the past few years.
Officials point out that the area’s growth, with more people moving to northwestern Colorado, has increased traffic volume. This makes updates like these essential to keep up with demand and prevent future issues.
Details of the Planned Improvements
The work focuses on a short stretch of Highway 6 from milepost 42.45 to 43.01, covering Rupp Avenue to Iowa Avenue. Crews will reconstruct parts of the road, add better drainage, and update signage for clearer directions.
Here are some main changes coming to the area:
- A new concrete roundabout at Elberta Avenue to handle traffic better.
- Changes to frontage roads, including turning some into one-way paths to stop wrong-way drivers.
- Upgraded sidewalks and crosswalks that meet accessibility standards for all users.
- Median adjustments for safer turn lanes at busy spots.
These updates build on lessons from past CDOT efforts, like the 2022 Highway 6 repaving in the same region, which improved road life and multi-modal access. The contractor, KSK of Grand Junction, brings local know-how to ensure the job fits community needs.
Open House Offers Chance to Weigh In
Community members can join the open house on January 14, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Palisade Recreation Center Gymnasium on Iowa Avenue. CDOT staff will show maps, explain the design, and take questions in person.
This event follows input from earlier town meetings and data collection that shaped the final plans. Attendees can suggest tweaks or voice concerns about how construction might affect daily life.
Similar public sessions for other CDOT projects, such as the recent I-270 environmental study, have led to real changes based on resident feedback. Organizers expect a good turnout, given the project’s impact on local commutes and safety.
No registration is needed, and materials will be available for those who cannot attend, possibly through online channels after the event.
If you live nearby or travel this route often, this is your shot to influence the outcome before shovels hit the ground.
Timeline and What to Expect During Construction
Work kicks off on January 19, 2026, and should wrap up by October 2026, weather permitting. The team will start with the roundabout build, then move to frontage road tweaks and final paving.
To help drivers plan ahead, here is a basic timeline of major phases:
| Phase | Start Date | Key Activities | Expected Disruptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | January 19 | Site clearing and setup | Minor lane closures |
| Roundabout Construction | February | Building the new intersection | Detours on Elberta Avenue |
| Frontage Road Modifications | April | Converting roads and adding medians | Temporary access changes |
| Final Upgrades | July | Sidewalks, drainage, and landscaping | Short-term full closures at night |
| Completion | October | Testing and opening | Minimal impact by end |
Expect some detours and slower speeds in work zones, but CDOT promises to keep at least one lane open most times. Updates will come through apps like COtrip and local alerts.
This schedule aligns with Colorado’s construction season, avoiding harsh winter weather that has delayed projects in the past, like the 2025 Wadsworth Boulevard rebuild in Wheat Ridge.
Benefits for Palisade and Beyond
Beyond fixing immediate hazards, the project promises long-term gains for the town. Safer roads could draw more visitors to Palisade’s wineries and farms, boosting the local economy.
Pedestrian and bike improvements will encourage healthier travel options, tying into statewide goals for sustainable transport. Recent state reports show that such upgrades have cut injury rates in similar rural areas by 25 percent over five years.
Residents like those in nearby Grand Junction have seen positive results from past highway tweaks, with fewer backups during peak hours.
As Colorado grows, projects like this help manage traffic without major expansions, balancing progress with community needs.
What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media, and spread the word to others who might want to attend the open house.
