~ Eagle County - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has officially opened the newly reconstructed Vail Pass Rest Area, providing travelers with improved facilities just in time for the winter season. This marks a significant milestone for the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, one of the state's most iconic and heavily traveled interstates.

The modernized rest area offers expanded and safer parking for both cars and trucks, fully accessible restrooms and amenities, and sustainable design features that will reduce long-term operating costs. In addition, the project has 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.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his excitement about the new rest area, stating that it will enhance the travel experience for countless Coloradans and visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the state's incredible mountain communities and breathtaking outdoors. He also emphasized that this new facility will provide a safer place for travelers to take a break from their drive.

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew echoed Governor Polis' sentiments, highlighting that Vail Pass is not just a road but also a gateway to Colorado's mountain communities, tourism economy, and lifestyle. She stated that this new rest area will make travel safer and more welcoming for everyone who comes through the state, whether they are truckers or families on vacation. By combining modern facilities with access to trails, CDOT has created a hub that supports safety, recreation, and Colorado's tourism economy all in one.

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The updated facility also brings several safety benefits. These include expanded truck parking to reduce trucks parking on highway shoulders or ramps which can be dangerous for both truckers and passing vehicles. The reconfigured layout also provides clearer separation between vehicles and pedestrians, reducing conflict points between cars, trucks, and people moving through the rest area. Additionally, there are safe pull-off options for fatigued drivers, ensuring they have a reliable place to stop and reducing drowsy-driving crashes. The rest area is also ADA accessible, ensuring that all travelers have safe and functional access to facilities without navigating unsafe terrain. Furthermore, the staging for CDOT crews will provide a better base for maintenance staff and emergency response, allowing for faster and safer deployment during storms and incidents.

Shawn Smith, CDOT director of the Division of Maintenance and Operations, emphasized the importance of this rest area in supporting safety on the challenging Vail Pass corridor. He stated that it will not only provide convenience but also directly support safety by giving motorists a place to pause and increasing capacity for maintenance equipment storage. This will improve winter maintenance operational readiness as CDOT teams work year-round in some of the toughest conditions in the state.

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The project team, led by CDOT's Property Management team, worked through mountain weather and short construction seasons to deliver the facility ahead of schedule for the winter 2025 season. Hope Wright, CDOT real estate asset manager, expressed her pride in the teamwork and dedication that brought this project to completion despite the unique challenges of building at 10,000 feet. She stated that whether you are 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 with funding provided by the Joint Budget Committee and signed into law through the state budget by Governor Polis. This new rest area is part of CDOT's ongoing efforts to improve safety and resilience along the I-70 Mountain Corridor, ensuring that Colorado's transportation system continues to support both local communities and its statewide economy. With these new facilities now open to visitors, they can enjoy a safer and more convenient travel experience while taking in all that Colorado has to offer.

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