After 2-year closure, new Vail Pass rest area, expanded parking set to reopen in September

While a major roadwork project on Vail Pass causing single-lane summer closures will continue through next year interrupted by a winter hiatus there is good news for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers drawn to the popular Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area The rest area near the top of the pass which has been closed since the spring of is certainly set to reopen by the end of September Related Articles Vail Keystone A-Basin Beaver Creek announce opening dates for Ongoing Interstate construction at multiple locations on the pass will continue for a scarce more weeks until winter weather forces suspension of operations Last year that occurred on Nov The Vail ski area is scheduled to open this year on Nov The new rest area will include updated restrooms capable of meeting present and future requirements a new drinking water system and expansion of the parking lots from spaces to according to CDOT spokeswoman Stacia Sellers That s great news for winter backcountry users In fresh years the recreation parking lot was frequently full on weekends by mid-morning Parking designated for recreation users will expand from to spaces Rest area parking will increase from to spaces In addition there will be flex spaces for recreation or rest area overflow and snowmobile parking spaces Major construction project on Interstate over Vail Pass includes relocation of the bike path Provided by CDOT Vail Pass has long been a favorite stop for summer tourists too but it s the primary gateway to the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area which attracts winter users annually With Vail Pass marking its northeast corner and historic Camp Hale forming its southwest boundary at acres it contains more than miles of motorized and non-motorized winter trails and six backcountry huts User fees are required from November until May and are collected by the White River National Forest The rest area rebuild was scheduled to begin in May but was delayed a year because of funding shortfalls according to Sellers Short construction seasons in and also slowed the project The Interstate project includes construction of an eastbound auxiliary lane with a widened inside shoulder eastbound and westbound bridge replacements near mile marker relocation of the Vail Pass bike path westbound curve modifications with a widened inside shoulder near mile marker five wildlife underpasses and a new avalanche mitigation fence according to CDOT spokeswoman Austyn Dineen Apart from the winter closure CDOT expects construction to continue through the end of Construction typically runs Monday through Friday mornings but no lane closures are expected Labor Day weekend Friday through Monday Major construction project on Interstate over Vail Pass includes replacement of two bridges about five miles west of the pass CDOT says the project is expected to continue through the end of although operations will be suspended during the winter Provided by CDOT Subscribe to our weekly newsletter The Adventurist to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox