7th Street Active Transportation Corridor Study

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This project is currently paused. The page will remain visible to the public however, this portion of engagment has concluded. 

This project is currently paused. The page will remain available for the public to view, but engagement for this portion has concluded.

After community feedback and input, City staff presented updated 7th Street proposed alternatives to City Council during the Feb. 3 workshop. Review the modified proposed alternatives below or see the documents tab to the right:


Original feasibility options.

A graphic showing the four preferred alternatives along 7th Street. The four alternatives are: a raised protected bike lane in the northern most section, a raised trail in the Patterson Rd. to North Ave. section, a striped bike lane in the North Ave. to Ute Ave. section, and a raised trail in the southern most section.

The City of Grand Junction conducted a feasibility study to determine the best options for establishing and improving low-stress active transportation facilities along 7th Street, between the Riverfront Trail and Horizon Drive. This will offer a practical connection to the planned shared-use paths along 26 ½ Road (Horizon Drive to Summer Hill Way) and Horizon Drive (existing between 26 ½ Road and G Rd). Community outreach on the project included sending a press release to local media, creating and posting a Newsflash to the City website, and posting a link to the study on social media. Additional feedback was welcomed on a short online survey on EngageGJ.org which included an area for comments all of which closed on Wed., July 31, 2024.

A steering committee was also created including members of the community with a specific interest in travel along 7th Street and to help guide the study goals in relation to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan as well as recommend facilities, identify high-risk locations, review information received during the public outreach, and other tasks. The steering committee worked with the project team including the consultant, KLJ Engineering, and be supported by city staff with technical expertise in transportation, planning, emergency response, and urban forestry. Community members were also able to provide their feedback until July 31, on EngageGJ.org or by visiting pop-up booths during community events such as Market on Main.

7th Street Active Transportation Corridor

7th Street is a significant corridor for north and south travel for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and personal vehicle traffic. This corridor provides access to Downtown Grand Junction, North Avenue, Colorado Mesa University, Tope Elementary, Grand Junction High School, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, several healthcare offices, clinics, businesses, Eureka Science Center, and the Art Center. With substantial dining and retail shopping within three blocks of 7th Street along North Avenue and three schools, this is a busy pedestrian area during school months. Grand Valley Transit utilizes the 7th Street corridor, providing bus service along routes three and seven. As one of the few corridors that allows the crossing of railroad tracks adjacent to downtown, 7th Street is the most popular corridor for accessing recreation and entertainment along the Riverfront Trail at Las Colonias.

Through the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan and Grand Junction Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, the City of Grand Junction has identified the need to continue to develop a safe, balanced, and well-connected transportation system that enhances mobility of all travel modes along with the importance of installing low-stress, high comfort bike facilities along the active transportation corridors.

About the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee included representatives from the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Mesa University, Downtown Development Authority, Grand Junction Historic Preservation Board, Urban Trails Committee, Grand Valley Regional Transportation Planning Office & Grand Valley Transit, One Riverfront Commission, District 51, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, The Art Center of Western Colorado, City of Grand Junction, business/property owners along the corridor, community members, and KLJ Engineering.

This project is currently paused. The page will remain available for the public to view, but engagement for this portion has concluded.

After community feedback and input, City staff presented updated 7th Street proposed alternatives to City Council during the Feb. 3 workshop. Review the modified proposed alternatives below or see the documents tab to the right:


Original feasibility options.

A graphic showing the four preferred alternatives along 7th Street. The four alternatives are: a raised protected bike lane in the northern most section, a raised trail in the Patterson Rd. to North Ave. section, a striped bike lane in the North Ave. to Ute Ave. section, and a raised trail in the southern most section.

The City of Grand Junction conducted a feasibility study to determine the best options for establishing and improving low-stress active transportation facilities along 7th Street, between the Riverfront Trail and Horizon Drive. This will offer a practical connection to the planned shared-use paths along 26 ½ Road (Horizon Drive to Summer Hill Way) and Horizon Drive (existing between 26 ½ Road and G Rd). Community outreach on the project included sending a press release to local media, creating and posting a Newsflash to the City website, and posting a link to the study on social media. Additional feedback was welcomed on a short online survey on EngageGJ.org which included an area for comments all of which closed on Wed., July 31, 2024.

A steering committee was also created including members of the community with a specific interest in travel along 7th Street and to help guide the study goals in relation to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan as well as recommend facilities, identify high-risk locations, review information received during the public outreach, and other tasks. The steering committee worked with the project team including the consultant, KLJ Engineering, and be supported by city staff with technical expertise in transportation, planning, emergency response, and urban forestry. Community members were also able to provide their feedback until July 31, on EngageGJ.org or by visiting pop-up booths during community events such as Market on Main.

7th Street Active Transportation Corridor

7th Street is a significant corridor for north and south travel for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and personal vehicle traffic. This corridor provides access to Downtown Grand Junction, North Avenue, Colorado Mesa University, Tope Elementary, Grand Junction High School, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, several healthcare offices, clinics, businesses, Eureka Science Center, and the Art Center. With substantial dining and retail shopping within three blocks of 7th Street along North Avenue and three schools, this is a busy pedestrian area during school months. Grand Valley Transit utilizes the 7th Street corridor, providing bus service along routes three and seven. As one of the few corridors that allows the crossing of railroad tracks adjacent to downtown, 7th Street is the most popular corridor for accessing recreation and entertainment along the Riverfront Trail at Las Colonias.

Through the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan and Grand Junction Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, the City of Grand Junction has identified the need to continue to develop a safe, balanced, and well-connected transportation system that enhances mobility of all travel modes along with the importance of installing low-stress, high comfort bike facilities along the active transportation corridors.

About the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee included representatives from the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Mesa University, Downtown Development Authority, Grand Junction Historic Preservation Board, Urban Trails Committee, Grand Valley Regional Transportation Planning Office & Grand Valley Transit, One Riverfront Commission, District 51, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, The Art Center of Western Colorado, City of Grand Junction, business/property owners along the corridor, community members, and KLJ Engineering.

General Comments about the 7th Street Corridor Active Transportation Study

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CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Leave 7th street alone on Facebook Share Leave 7th street alone on Twitter Share Leave 7th street alone on Linkedin Email Leave 7th street alone link

    Leave 7th street alone

    by George123, over 1 year ago
    If you driving your own vehicle north on US 50 with a medical emergency (severed finger, wife in labor) you need to be able to switch lanes to get around someone making a left or right that is backing up traffic. 5th street needs to revert back to two lanes for this same reason. 3rd street could be converted to a one-way going north with bike lanes and 6th could be converted to one-way going south with bike lanes. And to the person from Brown's cycle on the news "so what if it takes another 38 seconds to get through... Continue reading
    If you driving your own vehicle north on US 50 with a medical emergency (severed finger, wife in labor) you need to be able to switch lanes to get around someone making a left or right that is backing up traffic. 5th street needs to revert back to two lanes for this same reason. 3rd street could be converted to a one-way going north with bike lanes and 6th could be converted to one-way going south with bike lanes. And to the person from Brown's cycle on the news "so what if it takes another 38 seconds to get through town" So what if it takes another 38 seconds to pedal over to 3rd or 6th? In heavy traffic it most likely takes more than 38 seconds and in an emergency to get to the hospital time matters. As for people "speeding" on 4th & 5th, the lights are timed, you will get caught at the next red light if you accelerate to fast. Oh, you are talking from north of the library on 5th, add another timed light at Hill Ave, problem solved.
  • Share Mr. on Facebook Share Mr. on Twitter Share Mr. on Linkedin Email Mr. link

    Mr.

    by Pete, over 1 year ago
    I am sick and tired of the city supporting bicycle residence over normal transportation citizens. 3rd and 4th are an obvious example and FAILARE. 7th Street is one of the prettiest streets in town, leave it alone. Has anyone considered using 3rd street one way from Horizon to downtown and 4th street the other way - for bicycles. Leave these streets alone. How many miles of bike paths does this city need? Compared to other cities our size? I would propose, we put a moratorium on bike paths and transfer those funds to the street paving. For example: 340 repaved... Continue reading
    I am sick and tired of the city supporting bicycle residence over normal transportation citizens. 3rd and 4th are an obvious example and FAILARE. 7th Street is one of the prettiest streets in town, leave it alone. Has anyone considered using 3rd street one way from Horizon to downtown and 4th street the other way - for bicycles. Leave these streets alone. How many miles of bike paths does this city need? Compared to other cities our size? I would propose, we put a moratorium on bike paths and transfer those funds to the street paving. For example: 340 repaved from downtown to at least Redlands Parkway, and Redlands Parkway bridge. Both are in terrible shape and need paving.
  • Share NO to Proposed Plan for 7th Street on Facebook Share NO to Proposed Plan for 7th Street on Twitter Share NO to Proposed Plan for 7th Street on Linkedin Email NO to Proposed Plan for 7th Street link

    NO to Proposed Plan for 7th Street

    by breyes, over 1 year ago
    Why does Grand Junction insist on making roads that are for small towns like Fruita. There are new subdivisions going up everywhere and yet Grand Junction does not build roads that allow for the increase in traffic. Grand Junction is growing, it's time the city stops pretending we only have 20k as our population. 7th Street is a main road that people take to get around. They have already decreased 4th and 5th street to one lane. We need more two or three lane roads in this town, NOT less!
    Why does Grand Junction insist on making roads that are for small towns like Fruita. There are new subdivisions going up everywhere and yet Grand Junction does not build roads that allow for the increase in traffic. Grand Junction is growing, it's time the city stops pretending we only have 20k as our population. 7th Street is a main road that people take to get around. They have already decreased 4th and 5th street to one lane. We need more two or three lane roads in this town, NOT less!
  • Share Education, License and Registration for Bicyclists on Facebook Share Education, License and Registration for Bicyclists on Twitter Share Education, License and Registration for Bicyclists on Linkedin Email Education, License and Registration for Bicyclists link

    Education, License and Registration for Bicyclists

    by XXcity, over 1 year ago

    Since these changes are being made to accommodate and encourage bicycle travel, isn't it time to regulate this type of travel mode? Safety education, bicycle license fees and registration annually should be required. The goal is for all of us to share the road, so let's share the cost. Let's make sure everyone knows the rules of the roads so we can remain safe. Drivers also need to understand the rules for bicycles.

    For example, how many people know that bicycle riders don't have to stop at each stop sign and red light. The following is from CDOT:

    What is... Continue reading

    Since these changes are being made to accommodate and encourage bicycle travel, isn't it time to regulate this type of travel mode? Safety education, bicycle license fees and registration annually should be required. The goal is for all of us to share the road, so let's share the cost. Let's make sure everyone knows the rules of the roads so we can remain safe. Drivers also need to understand the rules for bicycles.

    For example, how many people know that bicycle riders don't have to stop at each stop sign and red light. The following is from CDOT:

    What is the Colorado Safety Stop?

    The Safety Stop gives people on bikes and other “low speed conveyances” (see next page) the legal option to ride slowly through stop signs without stopping first, as long as they are yielding right of way to pedestrians and other road users who have the right-of-way. Bicyclists and users of low-speed conveyances may also proceed at red lights after coming to a complete stop, if there is no oncoming traffic. Bicyclists and low-speed conveyance users can approach intersections at a reasonable speed and choose to apply the Safety Stop or continue to perform a traditional stop at both stop signs and red lights. Only bicyclists ages 15 and over may perform the Safety Stop. Younger riders may do so when they are with a parent or legal guardian.


    Another issue to consider is that retirees continue to move into the Grand Valley, having a significant impact on growth. Is the 7th Street project supporting this demographic?


  • Share Reducing 2 lanes of traffic down to 1 will not help on Facebook Share Reducing 2 lanes of traffic down to 1 will not help on Twitter Share Reducing 2 lanes of traffic down to 1 will not help on Linkedin Email Reducing 2 lanes of traffic down to 1 will not help link

    Reducing 2 lanes of traffic down to 1 will not help

    by Awesomerville, over 1 year ago

    From the recent public presentation about the 7th St Corridor, it was stated that Horizon to Patterson & Teller Ave to Grand Ave are in consideration to go from 2 lanes down to 1 (in either direction).

    I would like to ask that the City of GJ re-consider that lane reduction in these areas...


    Horizon to Patterson:

    I drive 7th St northbound through Patterson multiple times a week (during rush hour). When northbound traffic is stopped at a red light at Patterson, both northbound lanes on 7th St frequently get backed up to Wellington Ave. The left-lane traffic will continue... Continue reading

    From the recent public presentation about the 7th St Corridor, it was stated that Horizon to Patterson & Teller Ave to Grand Ave are in consideration to go from 2 lanes down to 1 (in either direction).

    I would like to ask that the City of GJ re-consider that lane reduction in these areas...


    Horizon to Patterson:

    I drive 7th St northbound through Patterson multiple times a week (during rush hour). When northbound traffic is stopped at a red light at Patterson, both northbound lanes on 7th St frequently get backed up to Wellington Ave. The left-lane traffic will continue north on 7th toward Paradise Hills, the right-lane traffic will turn right onto Horizon.

    If you changed that stretch of 7th St to 1 lane each direction, then ALL that northbound traffic will have to funnel to 1 lane BEFORE the light at Patterson. The traffic backups will extend much further back than Wellington Ave, possibly back to Bookcliff Ave. 7th St (northbound) already funnels down to 1 lane after half the cars exit onto Horizon Dr. There is no benefit to funnel cars down to one lane in an area (south of Patterson) that is already very congested. This will create more traffic jams blocking other intersections, more congestion, and more stop-and-go which will increase the risk of rear-ending.


    Teller Ave to Grand Ave:

    I predict a similar problem on 7th Ave at Grand Ave if you reduced the 2 lanes to 1 lane just north of Grand Ave in the Historic District. Northbound traffic on 7th Ave will have to funnel to 1 lane BEFORE the light at Grand Ave. This will cause backups extending south past White Ave and possible back to Rood Ave.


    The data may show acceptable traffic flow rates right now (with 2 lanes), but that data doesn't consider that traffic will have to FIRST funnel together BEFORE it reaches a part of the road that is narrowed from 2 lanes to 1.

  • Share DISASTER on 7th Street!!!!! on Facebook Share DISASTER on 7th Street!!!!! on Twitter Share DISASTER on 7th Street!!!!! on Linkedin Email DISASTER on 7th Street!!!!! link

    DISASTER on 7th Street!!!!!

    by Natalie M, over 1 year ago
    The public had no say in 4th and 5th street fiasco - now the 7th street circus... We are not a 15-minute city nor do I want to become one.. Put the brakes on- why can't the roads we have be maintained instead of the wasted hard earned tax dollars on projects that only server a FEW.. Get real and pull your heads out... I will not shop downtown nor use 7th period.. DONE with inept city planners & transportation , city council, employees whipping up nonsense.
    The public had no say in 4th and 5th street fiasco - now the 7th street circus... We are not a 15-minute city nor do I want to become one.. Put the brakes on- why can't the roads we have be maintained instead of the wasted hard earned tax dollars on projects that only server a FEW.. Get real and pull your heads out... I will not shop downtown nor use 7th period.. DONE with inept city planners & transportation , city council, employees whipping up nonsense.
  • Share Leave 7th Street alone on Facebook Share Leave 7th Street alone on Twitter Share Leave 7th Street alone on Linkedin Email Leave 7th Street alone link

    Leave 7th Street alone

    by harpcomposer, over 1 year ago
    Please, oh please. Look at the mess you have made on 3rd and 4th streets. Now you want to do the same to 7th street? Our only real recourse to avoid your "improvements" downtown and get where we need to go?

    Please stop wasting our money on useless projects. Spend it to get the homeless people off the streets instead. A good start to THAT? Get rid of all the pot shops.

    Please, oh please. Look at the mess you have made on 3rd and 4th streets. Now you want to do the same to 7th street? Our only real recourse to avoid your "improvements" downtown and get where we need to go?

    Please stop wasting our money on useless projects. Spend it to get the homeless people off the streets instead. A good start to THAT? Get rid of all the pot shops.

  • Share 7th St. on Facebook Share 7th St. on Twitter Share 7th St. on Linkedin Email 7th St. link

    7th St.

    by dpeantntiis, over 1 year ago
    Went to the public meeting last night Dec. 3. Good to see what's being proposed. I'm all for improving bicycle options but not at the expense of car traffic. My biggest concern is 7th. between North Ave. and Grand. Cutting it down to one lane might make sense but ONLY if the center median islands are modified to provide left turn lanes. Concentrating all the traffic going down 7th and having it back up because someone is waiting to turn left would be a nightmare! Especially since the wait for traffic to clear will be longer because all of the... Continue reading
    Went to the public meeting last night Dec. 3. Good to see what's being proposed. I'm all for improving bicycle options but not at the expense of car traffic. My biggest concern is 7th. between North Ave. and Grand. Cutting it down to one lane might make sense but ONLY if the center median islands are modified to provide left turn lanes. Concentrating all the traffic going down 7th and having it back up because someone is waiting to turn left would be a nightmare! Especially since the wait for traffic to clear will be longer because all of the oncoming traffic is restricted into one lane.
  • Share No on bikes on main thoroughfares!! on Facebook Share No on bikes on main thoroughfares!! on Twitter Share No on bikes on main thoroughfares!! on Linkedin Email No on bikes on main thoroughfares!! link

    No on bikes on main thoroughfares!!

    by BobV, over 1 year ago

    It is mind boggling how everyone seems to be more concerned about bike paths than actual traffic movement. Who pays all of the road taxes?? Motorists, not bicycles! I remember a time when you actually had to register a bicycle & you had a small license plate on it. Now there is no registration for a bicycle, but all of the concern is for making room for them on the main thoroughfares. For example, the ridiculous 4th & 5th street debacle. What would be so wrong with putting the bike paths on secondary streets, such as 3rd street or 6th... Continue reading

    It is mind boggling how everyone seems to be more concerned about bike paths than actual traffic movement. Who pays all of the road taxes?? Motorists, not bicycles! I remember a time when you actually had to register a bicycle & you had a small license plate on it. Now there is no registration for a bicycle, but all of the concern is for making room for them on the main thoroughfares. For example, the ridiculous 4th & 5th street debacle. What would be so wrong with putting the bike paths on secondary streets, such as 3rd street or 6th street. I just wish our city council would be more concerned with the condition of our streets such as pot holes, etc!!

    One last thought. How about enforcing rules of the road when it comes to bikes?? Riding against traffic, running through red lights & stop signs etc? I don't drive downtown much anymore, but when I do, I almost always see bicycle riders breaking the road rules!!

  • Share Leave 7th Street alone on Facebook Share Leave 7th Street alone on Twitter Share Leave 7th Street alone on Linkedin Email Leave 7th Street alone link

    Leave 7th Street alone

    by Risk46, over 1 year ago
    I have lived here since 1986 and 7th Street is a center piece for transportation into town. Please, do not change it. 4th and 5 th Street have not been well received so that tells how a change on 7th might go.
    I have lived here since 1986 and 7th Street is a center piece for transportation into town. Please, do not change it. 4th and 5 th Street have not been well received so that tells how a change on 7th might go.