I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes | Construction Phase

Project Status/Updates | Winter Shutdown

The project is on a winter shutdown beginning Nov. 7, and will return for its final construction season in spring 2026. No lane closures are expected during the winter break, though minor work may take place away from the roadway during the winter months. Please refer to the Winter Travel 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.

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:

Winter Shutdown

  • To avoid interfering with winter and ski season travel, as well as snow removal and maintenance operations, no scheduled lane closures are planned beginning Nov. 7, 2025. Motorists can expect typical lane and shoulder widths throughout the winter.
  • During the winter shutdown, I-70 will return to its standard configuration with two lanes of travel in each direction. The new eastbound auxiliary lane now provides three lanes of travel on Vail Pass between MP 187.3 and 190.
  • The Vail Pass recreation path is also not regularly maintained during the winter season. Regular maintenance will resume in the spring.
  • Visit the I-70 Mountain Corridor page for a one-stop resource for winter driving information, road conditions, and tips for smooth, safe mountain travel. 

During Regular Construction

  • 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