29 Road Interchange With I-70 In Planning Stages

What began in the 1980s with the creation of the Riverside Parkway and the 29 road overpass has now moved into an I-70 interchange at 29 Road.

The study being done by the city, known as a P.E.L. (Planning and Environmental Linkage) will determine the feasibility of adding the interchange as a way to move higher traffic away from the center of the city.

According to the Mesa County website, the study's aim is to:

• Identify the transportation vision and Purpose and Need for the 29 Road Interchange at I-70Complete the study in accordance with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process, including:
  • Public outreach
  • Direct involvement with local governments, community groups, and stakeholders within the interchange study area
  • Coordination with state and federal resource agencies
  • Documentation of study process, findings, and recommendations to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards, so information can be utilized or referenced in future NEPA documentation
  • PEL study documentation for FHWA concurrence
• Identify existing and potential future transportation conditions and economic development opportunities within the interchange study area
• Evaluate the potential benefits and impacts of a new interchange for 29 Road at I-70
• Identify initial improvements that may be completed prior to full interchange construction
• Estimate the conceptual cost of recommended transportation improvements

The study will include discussing with members of the public as well as stakeholders in the area the overall impact the interchange would have on businesses and roads.

The plan also includes the possibility of linking up with the airport.

In order to pay for it, the 1.25% sales tax voters will go to the polls on in April to add more police and fire stations would also be used for this project.

So how about it? Should this be done? Do you want to see your taxes raised for these projects?