US Highway 50 is a major highway that connects the Western Slope of Colorado with Interstate 70 and the lower Front Range — and serves as Downtown Delta’s Main Street for approximately one mile. In 2019, the City of Delta approached the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) in hopes of exploring alternative configurations of US 50 (Main Street) through the city’s downtown. A study conducted by Stolfus and Associates (2022) found that the existing five-lane highway is wider than necessary, even when projecting for future growth over the next twenty years.

In early 2022, The City of Delta began the first phase of the Main Street Improvements Project, which is intended to revitalize Main Street into a more walkable and economically prosperous business district. Following an extensive period of public engagement and testing using temporary traffic calming measures,  the first streetscape construction documents (30% design) were completed in 2024.

In 2023 the City of Delta was awarded $13.196 Million Dollars from the RAISE program to finish design and construct streetscape improvements along Main Street between 1st and 13th. The City has hired Bohannan Houston Inc. to complete final design and engineering for the corridor. The envisioned corridor transformation will catalyze positive change and spur economic growth by increasing multi-modal and pedestrian accessibility; improving road safety for all users; and creating new spaces for outdoor dining, retail and recreation. This will include shorter highway crossings, improved ADA accessibility, and a reduction to one lane of traffic in both directions with enhanced cycling infrastructure. These changes will amplify the vibrancy of the heart and soul of Downtown Delta and will bring positive changes to the quality of life for all of Delta’s residents and visitors for decades to come.

Opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement regarding the final design refinement will take place through this September and construction is projected to begin in the Fall.