CDOT Media Release

The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Heyl Construction have begun construction on the SH 340 Intersection Improvement Project in Fruita.

FRUITA – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Heyl Construction have begun construction on the SH 340 Intersection Improvement Project in Fruita. The project, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was contracted to Heyl-a Western Slope contractor from Newcastle-for $1.36 million.

“This funding represents the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work here on the Western Slope,” U.S. Senator Mark Udall said. “Especially with the growth in the area, these improvements to one of Fruita’s busiest intersections are badly needed, and the Grand Valley Transportation Planning Region has done a great job of getting these projects ready. This project will help address the transportation needs of Fruita travelers, while putting Western Slope workers back on the job.”

The project area includes SH 340 north of I-70 at Aspen and Cherry streets, as well as south of I-70 to Redcliff Drive. The project has a completion date set for May 21, 2010.

“I am pleased that ARRA funds are being utilized for much needed safety and capacity improvements to the intersection of SH 340 and Aspen/Cherry streets in Fruita,” Representative John Salazar (CO-3) said. “Not only will this project bring important jobs to this Western Slope community but it will certainly assist in the mitigation of congestion to this growing community. The partnering of the Grand Valley Transportation Planning Region to make this project viable, along with the use of federal funds, certainly displays how properly applied planning and funding can effectively be targeted to meet local needs.”

North of the interstate, the work will involve the installation of a traffic signal at SH 340 and Cherry/Aspen streets, resurfacing, drainage improvements and pedestrian crossing. On the south side (south of the roundabouts), work includes the installation of new curb and gutter, roadway resurfacing and shoulder work.

“As communities across the Western Slope continue to grow and develop, these projects ensure congestion and traffic don’t grow with them,” U.S. Senator Michael Bennet said. “The Grand Valley Transportation Planning Region and its partners have done a great job in identifying projects that make the most of Recovery funding, strengthening our infrastructure in a in a way that saves and creates jobs.”

During the project, work hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. Motorists will encounter some single-lane alternating traffic at times, some lane reductions and minor delays. All business accesses will remain open but may be altered temporarily. Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!

In all, Colorado will receive more than $400 million for transportation projects and $103 million for transit projects. For more information about how Colorado is putting the recovery act to work, visit www.colorado.gov/recovery. For a list of CDOT’s Recovery Act projects and additional ARRA information, visit www.dot.state.co.us/arra.

PROJECT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS? Call ACC’s project information hotline at (970) 309-5914. For information about other CDOT projects, log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state.