I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs in Dowd Canyon

About the Project

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s I-70 Variable Speed Limit Signs Project in Dowd Canyon, between Eagle-Vail and Vail, will be going into a winter shutdown. This temporary pause will take effect on Friday, Dec. 20, as winter weather conditions make it impractical to continue operations.

During the 2024 construction season, 18 variable speed limit (VSL) signs were installed along I-70 from Mile Point 169 to 173. Guardrails were also replaced to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and reduce the risk of more serious crashes.

Construction will resume in spring 2025 when warmer temperatures allow crews to seed the construction sites to control erosion and restore the area, conduct cleanup across the project site, and perform any necessary maintenance on the VSL signs. The final construction tasks are expected to take approximately a week to complete. These dates are weather-dependent and subject to change.

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:

  • During the winter shutdown, motorists will not encounter any construction-related traffic control or delays
  • When work resumes in the spring, motorists should plan for eastbound and westbound single-lane closures with possible lane shifts on I-70 from MP 169 to 173
  • There will be a reduced speed limit of 40 MPH through the work zone.

Traffic Impacts:

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

  • During work hours, motorists can anticipate right lane closures with possible lane shifts from Mile Point 169 to MP 173
  • A 14-foot width restriction from MP 169 to MP 174 will be in effect until noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and will resume during work hours starting Monday, Dec. 2
  • The speed limit is 40 MPH through the work zone
  • Caution: Construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone
  • Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures

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

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $5 Million
  • Contractor: Lumin8
  • Timeline: Early May through spring 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