Crews mobilize on site for Vail Underpass Project
EAGLE COUNTY/VAIL — Beginning next week, construction contractors will start returning to Vail to resume work on the fourth and final phase of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Town of Vail’s I-70 Vail Underpass project. Throughout March, crews will conduct stonework beneath the underpass, requiring minor delays along the North and South Frontage Roads to direct site access.
On Monday, April 3, expect an increased presence as crews resume major frontage road work. Starting that same week, lane closures are possible on I-70 to allow crews to restripe lanes and move barriers in anticipation of again implementing the one-way frontage road detours. These detours will resume Monday, April 24.
“We’re excited to resume the I-70 Vail Underpass project and continue working with the community to enhance mobility in the Town of Vail and along I-70,” said Matt Figgs, CDOT Project Engineer. “Construction impacts will be minimal in March. In April, we will ramp-up our resources and prepare the frontage roads for the one-way detours. This year’s traffic management strategy and impacts to drivers are no different than what occurred in 2016.”
Work hours during this project phase are anticipated to be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., however, 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.
In 2016, crews built both the I-70 underpass bridges and completed extensive work along the frontage roads, excavating the roads approximately 15 feet and relocating 10 utility lines. The project is progressing on schedule, but there is still a significant amount of work remaining. When major construction resumes, the focus will be the construction of the underpass roundabouts. The area beneath the underpass also needs to be fully built, including brick pavers, curb and gutters, and lighting elements. The underpass will also feature elevated sidewalks, requiring the installation of pedestrian guardrails. There will also be finer detail work, namely landscaping and aesthetics components.
PROJECT INFORMATION
For additional information about this project, call the project information line at 970-685-7706, e:mail the team at [email protected]
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 fall of 2017.
