City Continues Project to Replace Asphalt on Trails

The City of Grand Junction crews will begin work to continue the replacement of asphalt on trails on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, from south of the Redlands Parkway bridge to the Redlands Roundabout. The project will then move to S. Camp with demolition and replacement occurring from Buffalo Drive near Wingate Elementary to Rimrock Road. Each phase of the project is expected to last about three to four weeks. Notices about the demolition will be posted along with suggested detours. View the trail closures online.

Reconstruction is designed to improve the surface for riders, walkers, and other users of the trail system. This is a continuation of the city's effort to transform aging asphalt into a smooth surface using concrete. Reconstruction will occur south of the Redlands Parkway bridge to the Redlands Roundabout and includes the replacement of the more than 25-year-old trails along S. Camp Road between Buffalo Dr. and Rimrock Rd.

The Grand Junction area's trail system is a key asset to both residents and tourists providing bicycle and pedestrian routes through and around the community. The city has more than 9.2 miles of asphalt trails that are more than 25-years-old and in various states of disrepair. One of the biggest concerns for cyclists is the separations that have resulted from shrinkage of the asphalt over the years. This has made for rough riding on many sections of the trails. Over the next two years, the city will be replacing these asphalt segments with long lasting concrete. Where feasible, the trails will also be widened from 8 feet to 10 feet to better accommodate bikes with trailers as well as recumbent trikes.

Other trail sections identified for replacement with concrete include the Ridges, the South Rim and Bluffs trail accesses to Connected Lakes State Park, and Las Colonias Park to Eagle Rim Park Trail.