Colorado’s Vail Pass Rest Area Renovations Approach Completion

Colorado’s Interstate 70 rest area on Vail Pass is scheduled to finish renovations at the end of September, following construction delays last year, according to state officials.

The rest area closed in 2023 for upgrades to accommodate a higher number of anticipated visitors. It was originally set to reopen at the end of 2024, but short construction seasons slowed the project.

The top of Vail Pass is one of the busiest winter recreation areas in one of the busiest national forests, according to CBS News. The rest area saw 500,000 travelers a year, the Colorado Department of Transportation said.

The renovations include expanded restrooms, a new drinking water system and increased parking. The old recreation parking lot was frequently full by mid-morning on weekends, according to the Denver Post.

"We were able to add separate parking for snowmobilers, so they'll have about 150-plus parking spaces all to themselves," CDOT Real Estate Asset Manager Hope Wright told CBS News.

There will also be new informational displays, a relocated U.S. Forest Service building and increased maintenance equipment and snow storage space. CDOT said the renovation project will improve traffic circulation and increase accessibility and safety.

"Vail Pass rest area is unique because it serves both the traveling public in addition to many recreationalists," Wright said. "So the old one wasn't big enough; the building was in disrepair; it just needed to be replaced."

The renovations total an estimated $21 million and are headed by Colorado-based contractor Taylor Kohrs.

Other construction projects on multiple I-70 Vail Pass locations will continue through the end of 2026. This includes a new eastbound auxiliary lane with a widened inside shoulder, bridge replacements, relocated bike paths, wildlife underpasses and an avalanche mitigation fence.

Sources: CBS News, Colorado Department of Transportation, The Denver Post