Nightmare On 1st Street
The best advice I can give is to stay off of 1st street between North Avenue to Ouray Avenue. During rush hours North Avenue is backed up in both directions and southbound 1st street traffic is backed up for blocks.
This view is southbound 1st Street just north of North Avenue. Equipment is set up in the intersection and traffic is forced over to the right entering. The light changed twice before I managed to get through yesterday afternoon.
Traffic on North Avenue trying to turn south is backed for a couple blocks approaching the intersection as well. With most of the construction being down at, or near, the interaction it's best to avoid the area completely.
The Grand Junction City Council approved the $2.1 million project back in mid-February. It will improve 1st street from North Avenue to Ouray Avenue. The project will convert the four-lane street into a three-lane. New sidewalks, bike lanes, a median, and on-street parking will be added as well.
Again, the best advice is to try to avoid the area if at all possible. This project is scheduled to continue through June. Businesses along the 1st Street continue to stay open during construction. It is important to continue to support them. That is the ONLY reason to make your way through this mess.
Always remember too, be cautious and slow down through construction zones. Be mindful of reduced speed limits and always watch for workers. It's a nightmare.