I-70B West Study

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is an Environmental Assessment?

A) An Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.  The EA is a comprehensive study that evaluates potential impacts – both positive and negative – of the various alternatives under consideration.  The purpose of preparing an EA is to provide the community and decision makers with key information on alternatives under consideration with regard to their potential impacts to the built, natural, and social environments of the study area.   If there are no significant impacts, a decision document called a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is prepared.  If the EA indicates there are significant impacts, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared.

Q) Why is this project needed?

A) I-70B currently exhibits poor traffic operations and higher than average accident rates due to high congestion, frequent stops, and access points. Even with the construction of Riverside Parkway, I-70B traffic is expected to grow as population and employment grows in the Grand Junction area. Due to these conditions, this project has been identified as a high priority project by the the Colorado Department of Transportation, the City of Grand Junction, and Mesa County. Other needs identified as important for this project to address includes providing effective access to adjacent properties and addressing the limited and irregular bike, pedestrian, and bus facilities along the corridor.

Q) How does this project relate to Riverside Parkway?

A) Riverside Parkway is being constructed by the City of Grand Junction as part of a loop around the City core to address both local and regional transportation needs. When completed, Riverside Parkway will relieve some traffic congestion on I-70B and provide an alternate route to I-70B. However, the uses serviced by I-70B and Riverside Parkway are generally different as shown on the attached figure "Use of I-70B Corridor".  Forecasts for year 2030 show that even with Riverside Parkway, I-70B traffic will increase between 15% and 80% between 24 Road and 15th Street. The I-70B project will address congestion caused by this traffic growth, the higher than average rate of accidents in the corridor, property access, and pedestrian/bicycle/bus needs of the corridor. See a PDF map.

Q) When will the project be constructed?

A) The current project will first seek to understand the problems and issues associated with I-70B, then develop alternatives to address these issues. This process follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and includes an Environmental Assessment (EA) where all alternatives are evaluated for potential impacts resulting in the selection of a Preferred Alternative. This result is expected in late 2007. Once this Preferred Alternative has been approved, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) can then begin design of those improvements that can be funded. CDOT does not currently have funds allocated to fully construct the recommended I-70B improvements, therefore, phasing of the improvements will be necessary and dependent on current and future funding availability.  Based on the timing and complexity of the design process, construction on the most critical portions of I-70B could begin in 2008 or 2009.