Work resumes on I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs Project Between Eagle-Vail and Vail

Travel Advisory

April 15, 2025 - Northwest Colorado - Crews return mid-April after a winter shutdown

Eagle County — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with contractor partner Lumin8 Transportation Technologies, will resume construction activities on the I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs Project on April 21. The project began improvements in May 2024, along I-70 in Dowd Canyon, and is anticipated to be completed in late April 2025.

To date, the project has installed 18 variable speed limit (VSL) signs along I-70 between Eagle-Vail and Vail, Mile Points 169 to 173. These VSL signs are LED electronic versions of standard speed limit signs that display the regulatory speed limit and can be adjusted to reflect real-time highway conditions. Speed limits along this stretch of I-70 may be modified based on traffic speed and volume, weather and road conditions, and traffic incidents. In addition, a roadway weather information system has been installed to calculate appropriate speed limits based on weather-related factors, including road friction and visibility. Lane closures and incident management will continue to be manually controlled.

In addition to VSL advancements, this project also replaced nearby guardrails to help prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and to reduce the risk of more serious crashes. Final construction tasks include erosion control seeding, site restoration, and VSL sign maintenance. The remaining work is expected to take approximately one week, though timelines may vary depending on weather conditions.

Alerting drivers of unsafe road conditions can help prevent crashes and help ensure motorist safety. Such VSL signs are also being deployed throughout Colorado on the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes and in Glenwood Canyon. Consideration is also being given to implementing this technology on Wolf Creek Pass.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning April 21, motorists will encounter road work. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Monday through Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., there will be an I-70 eastbound right lane closure from MP 168 to 173
  • Monday through Friday from 6 to 11 a.m., there will be a I-70 westbound right lane closure from MP 173 to 168
  • A 14-foot width restriction is in effect during work hours
  • The speed limit is 40 MPH through the work zone
  • Caution: Construction vehicles will be entering and exiting the work area
  • The work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change
I-70 Variable Speed Limit Sign installation between Eagle-Vail and Vail
I-70 Variable Speed Limit Sign installation between Eagle-Vail and Vail.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

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.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • 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.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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