WELCOME TO GJ

By SAM KLOMHAUS

Sam.Klomhaus@gjsentinel.com

The city of Grand Junction has finished installing three entry signs to replace the city’s previous entry signs constructed in the 19802.

The signs, located at 30 Road and U.S. 50 in Orchard Mesa, I-70 east of Horizon Drive, and I-70 west of 22 Road, were approved by City Council in August, 2022. They feature two curving, intersecting lines said to represent the Colorado River and Gunnison River, and Grand Junction’s history with the railroad industry.

Visit Grand Junction and Cultivator Outdoor Advertising and Design, Inc. designed the signs, which were built by Bud’s Signs on a $426,000 contract.

At the time, City Council Member Randall Reitz said he was “quite smitten” with the designs.

“I’m worried about the number of selfies that might get taken in front of it, do we have adequate parking for that?” Reitz said.

The twisting lines are brown during the day and light up blue at night to symbolize the two rivers.

“We will get some community members that it really lands with, and others that maybe it will grow on them,” City Manager Greg Caton said when the signs were presented to City Council. “But it is an important part of really our refresh as a community.”

The U.S. 50 sign was the first to be installed, followed by the I-70 sign east of Horizon Drive, and then the I-70 sign west of 22 Road.

Drivers on I-70 and those entering the city off of U.S. 50 will be greeted by a new Grand Junction entry sign that lights up bright blue at night, taken on Dec. 27, 2023.

LARRY ROBINSON/ The Daily Sentinel