Vail Pass (Interstate 70 between milepost 180 and 190 in Eagle County) is getting some long overdue upgrades that CDOT predicts will decrease crashes by 40% and lower the average of 400 closure hours per year. Work is scheduled to begin in 2021 and at a cost of $140 million. Vail Daily reports The Colorado Department of Transportation will receive a $60.7 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help cover costs.
“Interstate 70 is an important economic driver in our state, but I’ve heard from countless Coloradans who are frustrated with congestion, unsafe driving conditions, and frequent closures due to weather events. That’s why I advocated for this funding to improve I-70 and am proud to have helped secure this grant of more than $60 million.” –Senator Cory Gardner
The funding will be used to build an eastbound auxiliary lane, reconstruct the eastbound bridge over Polk Creek, shoulder widening, westbound curve modifications, reconstruction of a truck ramp, dynamic message signs, a variable speed limit system, and automated anti-icing technologies. The project is expected to take several years, as funding is available.
“Safer roads will protect drivers, people traveling through I-70 and help boost Colorado’s important tourism and outdoor recreation economies and jobs.” -Gov. Jared Polis