I-70 traffic shift Monday for Vail Underpass project
EAGLE COUNTY/VAIL — Starting Monday, April 4, Interstate 70 westbound and eastbound traffic will be reduced to single lanes in an opposing, barrier-separated configuration on the south side of the highway (eastbound lanes) between the Vail Town Center and West Vail interchanges. This traffic shift signifies the start of major construction on the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Town of Vail’s I-70 Vail Underpass project, aiming to decrease interchange congestion and increase community mobility by providing another connection between the North and South Frontage roads within Vail.
“Using the temporary median pavement put down in fall 2015, we will crossover westbound I-70 traffic to the south side of the interstate so the underpass bridge can be built along the westbound lanes,” said Matt Figgs, CDOT Project Engineer. “Although this shift is relatively simple, we are asking I-70 motorists to drive distraction-free and with caution through the construction area.”
Work hours during this first project phase are anticipated to be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., however, the I-70 lane closures will remain in place 24/7 throughout the first phase of construction. Since much of the work is weather-dependent, it may be necessary for crews to do additional nighttime and/or weekend work to stay on schedule. Drivers can expect minor delays during construction hours.
Upon completion of the westbound bridge, I-70 traffic will be shifted to the north side of the interstate (into the westbound lanes) to build the underpass bridge along eastbound I-70. Completion of both bridges is scheduled for July 1, 2016. There will be minimal impacts to the North and South Frontage roads during this first phase of construction.
For updated project information, visit codot.gov/projects/
To receive project updates via text or email, visit www.codot.gov and click on the green envelope icon at the bottom of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/
The I-70 Vail Underpass project will add an additional underpass near I-70 mile point 175, connecting the North and South Frontage Roads between the Vail Town Center and West Vail interchanges. The project does not construct additional I-70 exits/interchanges into the Town of Vail. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2017.
