he Colorado Department of Transportation recently opened the reconstructed Vail Pass Rest Area in the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor.
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.
Updates include:
- Expanded truck parking, reducing trucks parking on highway shoulders or ramps
- Clearer separation of vehicles and pedestrians
- Safe pull-off options, which provide a reliable place for fatigued drivers to stop
- ADA accessibility
- Staging for CDOT crews, allowing faster, safer deployment during storms and incidents.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
