CDOT Opens New Vail Pass Rest Area, Delivering Safer, Modern Amenities for Travelers

Visitors will be able to enjoy the new facilities in time for winter

Link to media kit

Eagle County - The Colorado Department of Transportation cut the ribbon on the newly reconstructed Vail Pass Rest Area today, marking a major milestone for the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, one of the state's most iconic and heavily traveled interstates.

The modernized facility offers expanded and safer parking for cars and trucks, fully accessible restrooms and amenities, and sustainable design features that reduce long-term operating costs. The project also reconfigured the space to integrate the popular Ten Mile Canyon Trail into the rest area, creating a safer and more seamless experience for both motorists and recreationalists.

"Countless Coloradans and visitors from around the world travel I-70 to enjoy our incredible mountain communities and the breathtaking outdoors our state has to offer. This new rest area will improve that experience for travelers, giving them a safer place to take a break from their drive," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Vail Pass is more than just a road, it's a gateway to our mountain communities, our tourism economy and the Colorado lifestyle," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "This new rest area makes travel safer and more welcoming for everyone who comes through our state, from truckers to families on vacation. By combining modern facilities with access to trails, we've created a hub that supports safety, recreation and Colorado's tourism economy in one. It shows what happens when we invest in infrastructure that improves both safety and quality of life."

Safety benefits of the updated facility include:

• Expanded truck parking - reduces trucks parking on highway shoulders or ramps, which is dangerous for both truckers and passing vehicles.
• Clearer separation of vehicles and pedestrians - reconfigured layout reduces conflict points between cars, trucks and people moving through the rest area.
• Safe pull-off options - provides a reliable place for fatigued drivers to stop, reducing drowsy-driving crashes.
• ADA accessibility - ensures that travelers have safe, functional access to facilities without navigating unsafe terrain.Staging for CDOT crews - provides a better base for maintenance staff and emergency response, allowing faster, safer deployment during storms and incidents.

"At over 10,000 feet, Vail Pass is one of the most challenging and important corridors in Colorado," said Shawn Smith, CDOT director of the Division of Maintenance and Operations. "This rest area isn't just about convenience; it directly supports safety by giving motorists a place to pause and by providing increased capacity for maintenance equipment storage that will improve winter maintenance operational readiness. Our teams work year-round in some of the toughest conditions in the state, and this new facility will allow us to respond to various hazards on the roadway faster and more efficiently."

The project team, led by CDOT's Property Management team, worked through mountain weather and short construction seasons to deliver the facility ahead of the winter 2025 season.

"Building at 10,000 feet comes with unique challenges, including weather, altitude and a short construction season, but our crews and contractor, Taylor Kohrs, rose to the occasion," said Hope Wright, CDOT real estate asset manager. "I'm proud of the teamwork and dedication that brought this project to completion. Whether you're a truck driver, a family on a road trip, or someone heading onto the trails, this rest area is built to improve your experience."

The Vail Pass Rest Area project began in May 2023. The funding was provided by the Joint Budget Committee and signed into law through the state budget by Governor Polis. The new rest area is a part of CDOT's ongoing effort to improve safety and resilience along the I-70 Mountain Corridor, ensuring the state's transportation system continues to support both local communities and Colorado's statewide economy.

###