BLM issues temporary closure for road maintenance northwest of Rifle
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office will restrict access to JQS Road, located northwest of Rifle, to conduct annual road maintenance Oct. 1-11. JQS Road will be closed at times during the maintenance period; drivers can expect delays and are encouraged to use Cow Creek Road or other routes. In the interest of public safety, road access will be closed to all use.
“The Bureau of Land Management strives to provide quality access to public lands,” said James Roberts, acting Colorado River Valley Field Office Manager. “Well-maintained, well-connected roads are essential for our multiple use mission.”
In coordination with the Bureau of Land Management Colorado Engineering Office, contractors will use a motor grader to grade and reshape approximately 12 miles of existing roads to improve safety.
Roads will reopen when maintenance is complete, which may be sooner than Oct. 11. This temporary closure is expected to be completed before hunting season in the area begins Oct. 12. For additional information call the Colorado River Valley Field Office at 970-876-9000.
BLM’s network of roads, bridges, and trails is an integral part of the western American infrastructure, providing access for recreation, commercial activities, and administrative operations, including wildfire management, wild horse and burro gathers, and conservation efforts.
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.