Motorists should plan for I-70 ramp closures in Vail next week

News Release

July 17, 2020 - Northwestern Colorado

EAGLE COUNTY - Motorists should continue to plan for traffic impacts on I-70 on and off-ramp closures at exits 173, 176 and 180 tonight and next week. The closures will allow the Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Elam Construction for milling and paving operations.

The ramp closures will be alternated so that no two consecutive on/off ramps will be closed at the same time. During on or off-ramp closures, portable message boards will direct motorists to use neighboring ramps, so that drivers can access I-70 or arrive at their destination.

Motorists can expect the following ramp closures on I-70 during nighttime hours, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

  • Monday 7/20: Exit 173 westbound on/off ramp
  • Tuesday 7/21: Exit 173 east and westbound on/off ramp
  • Wednesday 7/22: Exit 176 eastbound on/off ramp and Exit 173 eastbound on/off ramp
  • Thursday 7/23: Exit 176 eastbound on/off ramp and Exit 180 eastbound on/off ramp
  • Monday 7/27: Exit 180 eastbound on/off ramp

Motorists can also expect east and westbound single lane closures, 10-15 minute delays, and minor detours on the bike path. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., and Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As part of CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative, the new guardrail will be 31” high instead of 27” high, to help vehicles remain on the road. These improvements will make the highway safer for the traveling public. Additional work will include: bridge-deck repairs, hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay, rumble strip installation, striping, drainage improvements, sign installation and erosion control.

STAY INFORMED

More information is available at: 

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

REMEMBER: SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so

  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

  • Be patient!

COVID-19  

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews  follow social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks.  As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home safely. 

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.