I-70 traffic shifting through Vail for underpass bridge construction

On Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17, Interstate 70 traffic will shift to the north side of the interstate (into the westbound lanes), so construction can begin on the underpass bridge along eastbound I-70. This shift also signifies the completion of the westbound underpass bridge. Construction of this bridge began April 4 as part of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Town of Vail’s I-70 Vail Underpass project.

Traffic will be reduced to single lanes in an opposing, barrier-separated configuration on the north side of the highway (westbound lanes) between the Vail Town Center and West Vail interchanges. Completion of this second bridge is scheduled for July 1 and the focus will then turn to work on the frontage roads.

“We’re happy with the progress we’ve made to date, but there is plenty more work to come,” said Matt Figgs, CDOT Project Engineer. “The shift to the north side of I-70 will essentially mirror the traffic shift I-70 motorists have become familiar with this past month. We want to reiterate the importance of driving with caution and at the posted 45 MPH speed limit through the construction site.”

Work hours during this first project phase are anticipated to be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., however, the I-70 lane closures will remain in place 24/7 throughout the first phase of construction. Since much of the work is weather-dependent, it may be necessary for crews to do additional nighttime and/or weekend work to stay on schedule. Drivers can expect minor delays during construction hours. As summer traffic builds through May and June, motorists are advised to use both open lanes of I-70 to the merge point to keep traffic moving efficiently.

There will be minimal impacts to the North and South Frontage roads during this first phase of construction.

For updated project information, visit codot.gov/projects/i70vailunderpass, or call 970-685-7706.

To receive project updates via text or email, visit www.codot.gov and click on the green envelope icon at the bottom of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org, downloading the CDOT Mobile app or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

The I-70 Vail Underpass project will add an additional underpass near I-70 mile point 175, connecting the North and South Frontage Roads between the Vail Town Center and West Vail interchanges. The project does not construct additional I-70 exits/interchanges into the Town of Vail. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2017.