I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes - Construction Phase
Construction Update
There will be no project lane closures for the remainder of winter until significant construction resumes in the spring. Work will continue through late December on the westbound bridge, but will occur away from the interstate, so no travel impacts are expected.
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.
Aerial view of W. Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes
Project Facts
- Total Cost: $202.5 million
- Federal INFRA grant: $60.7 million
- CDOT contribution: $133.4 million
- Other federal sources: $8.4 million
- Federal INFRA grant: $60.7 million
- Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure
- Timeline: Construction begins August 2021 with work on the funded improvements scheduled for completion in 2025.
- Location: East Vail Exit at Mile Point (MP) 180 to the Vail Pass Rest Area at MP 190
Construction Schedule
Initial construction activities off the I-70 corridor began in August 2021 with work on the funded improvements scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. There will be no construction activities taking place along the I-70 corridor from late November to early April to minimize impact on the ski season.
