I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes | Construction Phase

2024 Construction Season Underway

Interstate 70

  • Work is underway for the summer construction season, with two teams working simultaneously on various roadway improvements.
  • The Eastbound Mile Point 185.2 bridge is the counterpart to the westbound bridge completed in 2023. Crews are currently demolishing the structurally deficient westbound bridge and will begin building the eastbound bridge in the footprint of the old bridge.
  • Another team is beginning construction on the eastbound I-70 auxiliary lane between Mile Point 187.3 to 190 with mobilization and barrier work.
  • Due to the nature of the work, lane closure impacts are expected to increase during this construction phase. Motorists should plan for additional travel time and expect daily and overnight lane and shoulder closures along West Vail Pass.

Recreation Path

The recreation path will remain open and accessible to riders and trail users this season. Intermittent trail holds may occur for safety-critical work, such as the old westbound bridge demolition throughout June, and variable trail conditions could exist through construction areas.

About the Project

The I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project is designed to improve safety and operations in both directions of the highway on West Vail Pass. The project limits extend from the East Vail Exit at Mile Point 180 to the Vail Pass Rest Area at Mile Point 190 and include a wide range of improvements to address the unique nature of Vail Pass. This stretch of I-70 includes steep grades and tight curves and the intermingling of faster-moving passenger vehicles with slower-moving trucks that often results in inconsistent and slow travel times along the corridor.

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $325 million
  • Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure
  • Timeline: August 2021 – December 2026
  • Location: I-70 East Vail Exit to Vail Pass Rest Area
    • City: East Vail
    • Mile Points: 180 to 190
    • County: Eagle

Aerial view of I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project area

Aerial view of I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project area

Project Benefits:

  • Improve safety and traffic flow along eastbound and westbound I-70 at West Vail Pass.
  • Reconstruction of two aging bridge structures at Mile Point 185.3.
  • Relocation of a two-mile section of the Vail Pass Recreation Trail for an improved recreation experience.

Work Schedule:

  • Daytime and nighttime work is possible Monday through Saturday.
  • Expect overnight work and lane closures.
  • Construction continues through 2026.

Traffic Impacts:

  • Reduced lane and shoulder widths along I-70
  • Overnight single lane closures in both directions of I-70
  • Short-term stops of I-70 traffic during evening rock blasting activities. Currently no scheduled blasting activities
  • No traffic impacts during winter shut down December through March