The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has opened a new rest area at Vail Pass, marking a significant development for the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor. The reconstructed facility features expanded parking for both cars and trucks, fully accessible restrooms, and amenities designed with sustainability in mind to help lower long-term operational costs. The project also includes a reconfiguration that connects the Ten Mile Canyon Trail directly to the rest area, improving safety and convenience for motorists and recreational users.
Governor Jared Polis commented on the opening, stating, “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.”
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew emphasized the importance of the facility, saying, “Vail Pass is more than just a road, it’s a gateway to our mountain communities, our tourism economy and the Colorado lifestyle. 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.”
The updated rest area includes several safety improvements. Shawn Smith, CDOT director of the Division of Maintenance and Operations, said, “At over 10,000 feet, Vail Pass is one of the most challenging and important corridors in Colorado. 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.”
CDOT’s Property Management team managed the project, working through challenging mountain weather and limited construction seasons to complete the facility ahead of the winter 2025 season.
