4th and 5th Street Improvements Pilot Project
The City of Grand Junction and Downtown Grand Junction launched a pilot project in Aug. 2024 designed to reduce speeds on 4th and 5th Streets to increase safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Throughout the early stages of the pilot, challenges became apparent from a layout perspective, and community feedback provided areas of improvement for modifications to the pilot.
2025 Modifications to the Pilot Project
City staff recommended and received direction from City Council to modify based on challenges with the current layout, feedback from the community, and data collected since the project’s implementation. The pilot will maintain the one-way, one-lane configuration with minor alterations, while several modifications are planned to improve the functionality and address concerns. Review the pilot project modifications in the presentation.
Timeline for modifications:
In the first quarter of 2025, modifications will include minimizing the number of vertical delineators and replacing them with more subtle, lower vertical, elements such as curb stops and rollover humps, to define bulb-outs. Parking spaces near intersections will also be adjusted to increase visibility and sight distances.
In the second quarter of 2025, alterations including restriping both corridors to adjust the bike lane adjacent to the travel lane which accommodates an increase in lane width for vehicular users, and pre-pilot parking configurations will be restored. These recommendations cannot occur until consistent warmer temperatures return.
After the second round of modifications is made, city staff will continue to monitor the pilot project for three to six months collecting data, receiving community feedback, and assessing the pilot’s progress to determine the next steps.
Planning of 4th and 5th Street Pilot Project
Planning done in the 1980s helped lay the foundation for designs developed for 2024 that were implemented. These were based on how the City grew and how downtown evolved for more pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists driving in for business, shopping, a cold beverage, or a meal.
The original study completed in 2022 had contemplated two lanes instead of one. In 2023, at the request of downtown merchants, the City's consultant evaluated a single-lane configuration which confirmed from a traffic volume standpoint, that a single lane on 4th Street and 5th Street would work in the context of the entire downtown street network. This single-lane design accommodated diagonal parking to remain.
The first iteration of the pilot project from Aug. 2024 to early 2025 proved layout challenges with increased community feedback. Early pilot modifications were completed to adjust the configurations.
Notable Changes Include (updated Sept.9):
City Leadership reviewing project plans for 5th Street
- The turning radius at various corners has been modified based on feedback from the original 4th Street design
- Additional diagonal parking will be provided along the west side of 5th Street south of Grand Ave.
- Bike lanes will be added and buffered by parallel parking on both 4th St. and 5th St.
- Angled parking will remain on the left side of both 4th St. and 5th St. in the downtown area
- Reduction to a one-lane, one-way configuration on both 4th St. and 5th St. between North Ave. and Ute Ave
- Belford Ave. is converted to a two-way street between 4th St. and 5th St.
- A westbound bike lane is added to the north side of Belford Ave. and parking is restricted to only the south side between 4th St. and 5th St.
- Travel lanes were adjusted from the original 11 ft. width to 18 ft. creating more room for car doors on either side and providing more room for drivers to navigate around parallel parking vehicles. The Fire Department initially reviewed the designs and since operating emergency vehicles has recommended the increase in travel lane
- Select parking spaces will be restriped to "no parking zone" to increase pedestrian ability to view oncoming traffic, two specifically in concern are along Colorado Ave.
- Three parking spaces near St. Regis will be restored in order to maintain self-waiting areas for riders
Living Streets Mural Project
As a part of the 4th and 5th Street Pilot Project, the Living Streets subcommittee, Community Development, and Parks and Recreation Departments created several Living Streets Mural along these corridors. The artist's work can be seen along the road sections in the downtown area.
The structure of 5th St./Hwy. 50 is going to impede me coming into town from Orchard Mesa because the cars coming into town on Hwy 50 in the left lane don't realize they have to turn left on Colorado until they are at the light on Ute - so they have to merge into the right lane within 1 block. If you are a local and have done it, it's not a problem - you get in the right lane way before coming to Ute - which increases vehicles in that lane, backing it up. Someone new coming into town, however, may get confused and accidents or road rage will increase. I have a feeling it's going to back up traffic and we'll never get to North Ave. as easily as we used to. That's why I take 5th! It's quick and easy to get to North Ave! And you better get some big signs up on Hwy. 50 before Ute so people know where they should go. The temporary "warning" sign there now is on the right, it should be on the left so people in the left lane can see it before it's too late and they are blocking the turn to Colorado. I just see a big mess coming to that intersection. And the shifting lane on 4th Street from Rood to Colorado is just ugly and distracting!
And should I mention how ugly 4th and 5th are with all those posts? If they are going to be taken down eventually, people (especially visitors) will not know where they should be in the lane, even with the copious markings on the street, and drive all over the "lane". And who in their right mind will parallel park on that street? Glad I don't live there.
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As a family who lives in this neighborhood and regularly frequents 4th and 5th by walking, biking, and vehicle all with children, we are very happy with the recent modifications to both 4th and 5th. Considering this is a neighborhood which had 2 lanes running unimpeded for almost a 1/2 mile in each direction, the new lane changes are very welcome to our family and neighborhood. I can imagine that this has not been convenient for some that have used these routes as part of their daily commute. As a family living within these neighborhoods, we do appreciate that the new lane modifications have either slowed traffic or encouraged vehicles to find other more suitable commuting routes. Our family is enjoying the increased safety and lower traffic and noise levels. We are optimistic that this is a permanent modification.
As a family who lives in this neighborhood and regularly frequents 4th and 5th by walking, biking, and vehicle all with children, we are very happy with the recent modifications to both 4th and 5th. Considering this is a neighborhood which had 2 lanes running unimpeded for almost a 1/2 mile in each direction, the new lane changes are very welcome to our family and neighborhood. I can imagine that this has not been convenient for some that have used these routes as part of their daily commute. As a family living within these neighborhoods, we do appreciate that the new lane modifications have either slowed traffic or encouraged vehicles to find other more suitable commuting routes. Our family is enjoying the increased safety and lower traffic and noise levels. We are optimistic that this is a permanent modification.
I'm still in the camp the changes are good, not 100% right yet but that will take some time.
5th street could use a bit more alignment, it seems a bit wavy if you are in a car from Ute to Rood.
When walking East to West or West to East I'm really liking the ability to get a little further out from the stop sign or light so you can quickly cross without worrying and cars that might not yield right of way at the intersections.
I'm still not a huge fan of the lack of visibility at the intersection crossing 5th at Colorado headed East. The blind spot remains, the distance to walk across 5th is reduced (and drivers are going a bit slower) but I'd have liked that intersection to be a little safer.
I'm also not a fan of neither 4th or 5th having entrance or exit to the parking lot between 4th and 5th, that the only turn is now off of Colorado. I get the extra parking but even one entry / exit point of both 4th and 5th would be beneficial.
I've heard individuals say bicyclists should be required to use the bike lane, I disagree with this. With today's ebikes and their possible speeds I think they should have the option to be in the full lane of traffic if they choose.
I'm also not a fan of saying push pedestrians and bikes to 3rd and 6th, we should all be able to use any downtown street.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Reducing 4th and 5th Streets to one lane is the dumbest idea I've ever seen in Grand Junction. These are the main thoroughfares between downtown and Orchard Mesa. The traffic bottlenecks make driving, walking, or visiting downtown a nightmare, so people will simply stay away. I feel sorry for the downtown businesses. But not only that, the whole idea is dangerous! There's nowhere to pull over for emergency vehicles, and it restricts their ability to respond to traffic accidents on either of those streets. And how, exactly, are people supposed to quickly and safely get to St. Mary's from either Orchard Mesa and downtown when the city has bottlenecked the main thoroughfares? This cluttered-up trainwreck of a project is just dangerous and asinine! The city needs to stop wasting our tax dollars, and whoever approved this idea should be recalled from office.
Dangerous for all!
Drove up to 5th St from OM.
Not only was I confused but so was several other people. From 2 lane to 1 lane how is this helping morning commute to work. All that wasted parking for what, all those stupid scooters? What a waste of money.
I feel sorry for the business owners on Main Street. I will not visit downtown until the streets are changed back to way there were. It is dangerous to walk, park and drive. I understand the point was to stop people from speeding, but this is more dangerous. I saw one lady almost get hit by a car! It is horrible to drive, I was almost hit TWICE!
My wife had me drive down 4th and 5th streets today for the first time so I can see what everyone is complaining about. Yes, they are a Trainwreck. Only solution I see for myself is to never drive those streets again, just like I have done before today. My wife and I can get everywhere we want to go in this town without ever being on those streets. Sorry that don't seem to work for everyone but it's great for us, cuz of all those other streets to choose from. Will not use 4th and 5th street
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I recently traveled down 4th st from Grand to the post office. I parallel parked on the left because I was too uncomfortable parking on the right. I think a bike rider getting hit by someone parallel parking and overshooting the intended space is an accident waiting to happen. Also, the driver will exit the car into traffic and passengers will exit into the bike lane. Adults assisting children getting out of the car from the back seat will also be in the bike lane.
I just saw several photos posted on social media (and I have no idea what city it is) but I liked how they made their town more bike friendly with safety in mind. I wish I could post it here but will email it to City Council,.
Photos showed several ways they managed this, but were all similar. There was the street, then to the right was the curb and then the bike lane which was elevated off the street, a narrow median to the right of the bike lane, then the sidewalk. Another design had the street, then a narrow median with street lights, then a bike lane, then the sidewalk.
None of the bike lanes were at street level, subject to cars being parked, or car doors being opened. How about considering a modification like that?
I love seeing the changes implemented in effort making downtown safer and less car-dependent. The impact on car drivers is so small, but some people are making such a big deal out of a minor change that is ultimately good for downtown public safety. There are so many ways to get anywhere you want in this town, the fact that just one route through the heart of downtown is only slightly less convenient for cars is not a bad thing in my eyes. I hope this makes people avoid driving through downtown, people drive way too fast in what should be a pedestrian and bike focused area.
I love seeing the changes implemented in effort making downtown safer and less car-dependent. The impact on car drivers is so small, but some people are making such a big deal out of a minor change that is ultimately good for downtown public safety. There are so many ways to get anywhere you want in this town, the fact that just one route through the heart of downtown is only slightly less convenient for cars is not a bad thing in my eyes. I hope this makes people avoid driving through downtown, people drive way too fast in what should be a pedestrian and bike focused area.
I love seeing the changes implemented in effort making downtown safer and less car-dependent. The impact on car drivers is so small, but some people are making such a big deal out of a minor change that is ultimately good for downtown public safety. There are so many ways to get anywhere you want in this town, the fact that just one route through the heart of downtown is only slightly less convenient for cars is not a bad thing in my eyes. I hope this makes people avoid driving through downtown, people drive way too fast in what should be a pedestrian and bike focused area.