Road construction barrels along road work in North Fruita Desert Special Recreation Management Area

18 Road Reconstruction, Paving Project

In background is 18 Road with construction barriers and quote on tope reads: We are excited that this project is underway. These much-needed road improvements will benefit recreation users and the public for years to come.”

 

 

 

BLM and Mesa County are working with the Federal Highway Administration on a project to reconstruct and pave about six miles of 18 Road to improve public safety and access to BLM-administered lands that are popular for mountain biking and OHV recreation activities.

The completed project will provide a 30-foot paved road with two 10-foot lanes for vehicle traffic, and two 5-foot bike lanes.

Federal Highway Administration, funded through the Federal Lands Access Program, is leading the 18 Road Project construction work. Project managers expect to complete the work in late fall of 2025.

To sign up for updates on the project please email MesaCounty18Rdproject@gmail.com or call the project hotline 970-892-1834. BLM will also provide project updates on this web page.

 

 

 

 

Project Updates

ROAD CLOSURE: A road closure for a portion of 18 Road is in effect Dec. 9-20. An alternate route to access the North Desert Campground area is available via 16 Road. During this time, work crews will replace the first of two box culverts.

Work will stop Dec. 20 and crews are expected to restart Jan. 6, 2025. 18 Road will be open to traffic during this winter shutdown period. (Posted Dec. 6, 2024)

Map of 18 Road closure location and detour using 16 Road
Map: 18 Road closure and 16 Road detour

Click for larger map image

 

Construction is currently underway. Work along 18 Road will begin north of the Government Highline Canal and end just beyond the 18 Road Campgrounds. Crews will work schedules designed to have minimal traffic impact on visitors. During the project, access to all approach roads, parking areas and camping sites will be available.

Now until March 2025, road crews will work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate delays up to 30 minutes when equipment is active in the work zone. During road closures, a detour route will provide alternate access to BLM-administered lands in the area. (Posted Nov. 18, 2024)