I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs in Dowd Canyon

About the Project

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, 2025. 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.

The 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.

Project Benefits

  • The variable speed limit signs will change to best suit conditions on the highway.
  • A weather information system will be installed and provide real-time weather updates to drivers.
  • Guardrails will be replaced along the project limits which will prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and may prevent far more serious crashes.

Work Schedule:

  • Monday through Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday from 6 to 11 a.m.
  • The work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change

Traffic Impacts:

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

  • Monday through Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., there will be an eastbound right lane closure on I-70 from MP 168 to 173
  • Monday through Friday from 6 to 11 a.m., there will be a westbound right lane closure on I-70 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
  • For current road conditions, visit COtrip.org 

Work this Week & Lane Closures I-70 Variable Speed Limit Sign Project

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $5 Million
  • Contractor: Lumin8
  • Timeline: May 2024 to late April 2025
  • Location: I-70 
    • Nearest Town/City: Eagle-Vail to West Vail
    • Mile Point(s): MP 169.35 to MP 173.30
    • County: Eagle
Map showing ocation of I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs project in Dowd Canyon, Eagle County
I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs project map located between Eagle and West Vail, from MP 169 to MP 173