What is Phase II of the 32 ½ Road project?

At the beginning of October, construction will start on the next phase of improvements to 32 ½ Road, rebuilding a key Clifton corridor to improve safety, pedestrian access and stormwater management.

The project covers 32 ½ Road between the Grand Valley Canal and Front Street. It includes a wider roadway, sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, improved drainage, a roundabout, railroad crossing improvements and a regional stormwater detention facility. 

Much of 32 ½ Road was built without shoulders or sidewalks, even as the surrounding area continued to develop. Phase II continues Mesa County’s work to bring the corridor up to current safety and service standards.

The roadway will be completely rebuilt and widened. New drainage infrastructure will also help manage stormwater in the area.

A high number of broadside crashes have occurred at 32 ½ Road and E ½ Road. To improve safety, a roundabout will replace the intersection’s current two-way stop. Roundabouts have been shown to reduce overall crashes by 70% and fatal and injury crashes by more than 80%.

The project includes improving the railroad crossing at 32 ½ Road, and building a regional stormwater detention facility near the Grand Valley Canal.

The $4.6 million project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.

Drivers should expect detours and changing traffic conditions during construction. Detour information will be shared with nearby residents, businesses and drivers as it becomes available. Pedestrian safety near the railroad crossing and throughout the work zone will remain a priority.

Previous work on 32 ½ Road included replacing the bridge over the Grand Valley Canal and connecting the roadway south of E Road, where it previously didn’t go all the way through. That was part of the 32 1/2 Road and Clifton Campus Roadway Improvement Project.