I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes - Design

Design work started in early 2021 on the first phase of West Vail Pass improvements that have identified funding. These Phase I improvements include:

• An eastbound I-70 auxiliary lane with widened shoulders between Mile Points 185 and 190
• Westbound Curve modifications with widened shoulders at Mile Point 186 and 188
• Bridge replacement eastbound and westbound at Mile Point 185.3
• Truck ramp reconstruction at Mile Point 182
• Improved signage and incorporation of Active Traffic Management system
• Variable speed limit signs
• Highway closure system
• Six wildlife underpasses and fencing
• Vail Pass recreational trail relocation between Mile Points 185 and 187

The project’s contractor Kiewit Infrastructure is assisting in the design development as a part of the construction management/general contractor (CM/GC) delivery method. The initial design focus is on the truck escape ramp and the highway closure system and construction on these components began in August 2021.

In addition to the first phase of improvements with identified funding, work is underway on additional I-70 Mountain Corridor improvements, including the Corridor Aesthetics Guidelines and Corridor Sediment Control Action Plan.

CSS Commitments

As design and construction activities begin, CDOT along with the design and contractor teams will uphold the obligations and mitigation strategies outlined throughout the CSS process and in the Environmental Assessment.

Early commitments met include:

• Creation of an Aesthetics Issues Task Force responsible for developing project-specific aesthetic guidance.
• Creation of an Issue Task Force to update the Black Gore Creek Sediment Control Action Plan and identify improvement opportunities for maintenance access.
• Emergency Planning
• Initial design of wildlife crossings

During construction the project team will comply with EA commitments to minimize impacts from construction activities

Improvements & Funding Status