I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes | Construction Phase

Project Status/Updates | Crews Return for Final Construction

Crews have returned to work for the final construction season of this multi-year project. Scheduled for substantial completion by December 2026, this year's work focuses on finishing the new auxiliary lanes, wildlife fencing and underpasses, and installing advanced avalanche and rockfall mitigation systems. There is the possibility of daily single-lane closures along eastbound and westbound I-70 between the East Vail Interchange (Mile Point 180) and the Vail Pass Rest Area (MP 190).

Please refer to the Traffic Impacts below for more information and the Contact Us section for how to sign up for text alerts from the project team.

About the Project

The I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project is designed to improve safety and operations in both directions of the highway on West Vail Pass. The project limits extend from the East Vail Exit at Mile Point 180 to the Vail Pass Rest Area at Mile Point 190 and include a wide range of improvements to address the unique nature of Vail Pass. This stretch of I-70 includes steep grades and tight curves and the intermingling of faster-moving passenger vehicles with slower-moving trucks that often results in inconsistent and slow travel times along the corridor.

West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lane Project Status

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $325 million
  • Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure
  • Timeline: August 2021 – December 2026
  • Location: I-70 East Vail Exit to Vail Pass Rest Area
    • City: East Vail
    • Mile Points: 180 to 190
    • County: Eagle

Aerial view of I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project area

Aerial view of I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project area

Project Benefits

  • Improve safety and traffic flow along eastbound and westbound I-70 at West Vail Pass.
  • Reconstruction of two aging bridge structures at Mile Point 185.3.
  • Relocation of a two-mile section of the Vail Pass Recreation Trail for an improved recreation experience.

Work Schedule

  • Daytime and nighttime work is possible Monday through Saturday.
  • Expect overnight work and lane closures.
  • Construction continues through 2026.

Traffic Impacts

  • Motorists should anticipate increased activity and changing traffic patterns as the project moves toward its final configuration.
  • There is the possibility of daily single-lane closures along eastbound and westbound I-70 from MP 180 to 190.
  • In May, I-70 traffic will be shifted to the south into a head-to-head, barrier-separated alignment in the new eastbound lanes to allow for roadway and wildlife underpass construction.
  • From early to mid-June, rock-scaling activities will require traffic holds Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
  • The window for helicopter operations requiring traffic holds runs from mid-June to early September.
    • Only a few total traffic hold days are anticipated during this time to move equipment in and out of the area.
    • The traffic holds will last for about 20 minutes in both directions, but delays could be longer as the queues are cleared.
  • Night work is possible at the start of the season and is expected to be more consistent beginning this summer through the project’s completion.