Congressman Neguse Helps Secure $60 Million for I-70

Press Release

Congressman Joe Neguse announced today that he has successfully secured $60,700,000 for Vail Pass improvements on I-70. In March, Congressman Neguse, alongside Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner wrote Elaine Chao, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to support the Colorado Department of Transportation's application for the funds.

This phase of the project will provide key improvements, including building 5 miles of eastbound auxiliary lane, reconstructing two curves to improve substandard geometry, installing signage to assist with safety, upgrading a truck escape ramp, and installing wildfire mitigation safety measures.

"I-70 is a key economic driver in the State of Colorado and a gateway to the recreation and tourism opportunities in Summit and Eagle Counties and mountain communities across the 2nd Congressional District," said Congressman Joe Neguse. "However, we know too well that West Vail Pass is prone to closures due to weather events, as well as spin outs and crashes. Investments in safety and reliability in the I-70 corridor is essential to keep Coloradans safe and to continue to connect travelers east and west of the Continental Divide. I am grateful to see funding awarded to these projects, and look forward to continuing to advocate for Colorado's highways and safety."

"I'm thankful to the efforts of Rep. Neguse and our federal partners to ensure that critical infrastructure dollars can flow to our mountain communities," said Governor Jared Polis. "Safer roads will protect drivers, people traveling through I-70 and help boost Colorado's important tourism and outdoor recreation economies and jobs."

"We appreciate the support of our Congressional delegation in helping us to secure funding for this tremendously important project -- critical for commuters, travelers and the safe passage of freight through our beautiful I-70 mountain corridor," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "One of the core strategies of our state's transportation plan is to focus investments on key arteries that move people and goods through our economy, like I-70. This grant will help us achieve that vision."

The $60 million awarded to the Colorado Department Transportation makes up a substantial portion of the $140 million total cost for the Vail Pass Safety and Operations Improvements project.

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