CDOT to close eastbound I-70 near East Vail on Tuesday for vehicle recovery

Travel Advisory

Jan. 13, 2025 - Northwestern Colorado - Eastbound motorists should expect a minimum six-hour closure starting at 9 a.m.

Vail — On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Colorado Department of Transportation will close eastbound Interstate 70 at East Vail/Exit 180 to remove commercial motor vehicle wreckage starting at 9 a.m. when traffic volume is typically the lowest. The full closure and recovery operations are expected to last at least six hours. During the closure, traffic will be detoured off at I-70 at East Vail/Exit 180, and travel east on US 24 to Leadville, then take Colorado Highway 91 north to rejoin eastbound I-70 at Copper Mountain. Motorists should be prepared to add an additional 90 minutes to their travel time.

CDOT travel alert map for eastbound I-70 closure at East Vail/Exit 180 for tow recovery operations on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m.
Travel alert map for eastbound I-70 closure at East Vail/Exit 180 for tow recovery operations on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, around 8 p.m., CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and local fire and emergency medical services teams responded to a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle traveling westbound that crossed the median and collided with a CMV and passenger vehicles that were traveling eastbound. Fuel leaking from a diesel tank required hazmat cleanup, preventing vehicle recovery at the time.

For the latest road closure updates, visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app.

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!