I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes - Construction Phase

Construction Update

Monday, Nov. 27 — Friday, Dec. 1

  • There will be no scheduled traffic impacts along eastbound and westbound I-70 from Nov. 19 - Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

  • Expect a right shoulder closure on westbound I-70 from MP 185.5-185 on Monday, Nov. 27 from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Expect right and left lane closures on westbound I-70 from MP 185.5-184.5. The lane closures will begin at 4 a.m. daily. The lane closures will end by 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon on Friday.

Upcoming Winter Shutdown

Crews are preparing the project area for the winter pause in construction activities. Traffic impacts will decrease throughout the month in advance of the work hiatus.

Recreation Path

The Vail Pass recreation path is open and accessible, however, please be aware of nearby construction activities and know that path conditions are weather-dependent. Regular path maintenance will resume in the late spring and summer.

Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project

Click an icon on this map for an audio-guided tour of West Vail Pass.

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.

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $300 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 areaAerial 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:

  • Reduced lane and shoulder widths along I-70.
  • Overnight single lane closures in both directions of I-70.
  • Short-term stops of I-70 traffic during evening rock blasting activities. Currently no scheduled blasting activities.
  • No traffic impacts during winter shut down December through March.