I-70 VSL and CO 74 & US 285 ITS Upgrades

About the Project

In early April 2023, CDOT will begin a project to replace various Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs and install three Variable Message Signs (VMS). Work on the project includes replacing 14 VSL signs along the I-70 corridor starting out west near Vail Pass, proceeding east along I-70, and concluding at the 32nd and Youngfield exit. Additionally, crews will install VMS at two locations along Colorado Highway 74 in Evergreen and at one location on US 285 near Conifer.

The 14 VSL replacement locations along I-70 are:

• I-70 eastbound (EB) MP 177.49
• I-70 westbound (WB) MP 178.98
• I-70 EB MP 182.42
• I-70 EB MP 183.64
• I-70 EB MP 195.48
• I-70 EB MP 218.75
• I-70 WB MP 220.02
• I-70 WB MP 221.10
• I-70 EB MP 228.02
• I-70 WB MP 229.45
• I-70 EB MP 249.29
• I-70 WB MP 260.46
• I-70 WB MP 263.93

The VMS installation locations are:

• CO 74 EB MP 3.90 (Evergreen)
• CO 74 WB MP 5.90 (Evergreen)
• US 285 NB MP 234.0 (Conifer)

Project Benefits

Variable Speed Limit signs are an electronic version of a regular speed limit sign with an LED display of the regulatory speed limit number (i.e. the enforceable speed limit) which can be changed to best suit conditions on the highway. Variable Message Signs are electronic boards used to post real-time traffic updates and information about traffic incidents, weather, or events.

Work Schedule

• Work will take place during daytime working hours, Monday through Friday 7am to 7pm
• Work on this project begins in April 2023 and will last through June 2024

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can expect the following impacts during the period of construction:

• Shoulder closures for the VSL work on I-70
• Single lane closures for installation of the VMS on CO 74 and US 285