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
Improvements Identified in Environmental Assessment |
Phase 1 Improvements (currently funded) |
Construction Activities (Started August 2021) |
Add a 12-foot auxiliary lane in both directions of I-70 between MP 180 (East Vail) and 190 (Vail Pass Rest Area) |
Adding a 12-foot auxiliary lane along eastbound I-70 between MP 185 and 190 |
|
Widen inside shoulders to minimum 6 feet between Mile Points 180 and 190 |
Widen inside shoulders between MP 185 and 190 |
|
Widen outside shoulders at least 8 more feet beyond existing 10 foot width in multiple locations for emergency pull-offs |
|
|
Modify all exiting curves as needed between Mile Points 180 and 190 to meet federal design standards |
Reconstruct three curves between Mile Points 187 and 189 |
|
Install additional variable message signs at key locations |
|
|
Install automatic highway closure gates in both directions of I-70 |
Install automatic highway closure gate along westbound I-70 |
|
Relocate approximately 2 miles of Vail Pass Recreation Trail |
|
|
Upgrade existing emergency truck ramps at Mile Points 182 and 185 |
Upgrade emergency truck ramp at Mile Point 182 |
|
Build 6 wildlife underpasses and add wildlife fencing |
|
|
Install additional variable speed limit signs |
||
Add capacity to existing commercial truck parking area at top of Vail Pass |
||
Improve median emergency turnaround locations |
||
Improve existing chain station at MP 182.5 |
||
Install avalanche protection near MP 186 |