BLM, Mesa County project upgrades well-traveled portion of 18 Road
MESA COUNTY, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management 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 the North Fruita Desert Special Recreation Management Area.
Initial work, which began Nov. 18, involves clearing the area of brush and removing a damaged culvert pipe. Notable results will include asphalt concrete pavement and wider car lanes with dedicated bicycle shoulders.
“We are excited that this project is underway," said Stacey Colón, Grand Junction Field Office manager. “With about 107,000 visitors during the 2024 fiscal year, the North Fruita Desert is a popular destination for mountain bikers and campers from all over the country. These much-needed road improvements will benefit recreation users and the public for years to come.”
The construction 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, including minimizing impacts during peak recreation seasons. 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.
The 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 a dedicated BLM web page.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.