I-70 Coalition, setting the pace for the future

Traffic on I-70

About The I-70 Coalition

Mission: "To enhance public accessibility and mobility in the I-70 Central Mountain Corridor and adjoining dependent counties and municipalities through the implementation of joint public & private transportation management efforts."

Solution: A transportation infrastructure through the I70 mountain corridor that is efficient, safe and environmentally sound, for this and future generations.

History of The Coalition

In January 2004, more than 30 political jurisdictions formalized the I-70 Coalition by adopting an intergovernmental agreement to address transportation issues along the I-70 mountain corridor and to specifically respond to the Draft I-70 Central Mountain Transportation Corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) is a process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA.)  The PEIS is a high-level evaluation of alternatives for the area being studied, which in this case is Golden to Glenwood Springs.

In May 2005, the coalition unanimously approved a regionally preferred alternative in response to CDOT's PEIS. The coalition's alternative is multi-modal and addresses transportation issues in the mountain corridor over the next 50 years. The alternative was derived from portions of CDOT's PEIS and included concepts to enhance public accessibility and mobility while meeting transportation goals of the Front Range, mountain corridor and adjoining communities. Additionally, the coalition's preferred alternative addressed issues such as safety improvements, noise mitigation and environmental programs, not specifically addressed in the PEIS.

In 2006 the Coalition expanded to include private partners including Vail Resorts, Inc., Intrawest Corporation, Gart Companies, the Vail Valley Partnership and Summit County Chamber of Commerce, as well as added Front Range governmental members Jefferson County and the City of Golden. These new members will be important to the success of the organization as it moves forward. With the help of its partners, especially the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, the Coalition received a $30,000 grant and hosted a transit workshop held in October at Copper Mountain that included panelists from Colorado and across the nation who discussed transit technology, structures, financing opportunities and transit alternatives.

In 2007, the Coalition completed work on the Land Use and Transit Planning Project. It will work directly with corridor communities on land-use planning and zoning to ensure transit systems and transit-related development can be accommodated in the future.

During 2007-2010 the Coalition continued to distribute information about its preferred alternative and invite other public entities and private sector organizations to participate. This includes presentations along the I-70 mountain corridor, on the Front Range and throughout Colorado. Members of the public are encourage to attend one of the many presentations or to schedule a presentation for their organization to learn more about the Coalition and its goals and objectives.

In 2009, the Coalition launched GoI70.com.  This site was developed in hopes that by giving travelers timely information, they will make more informed decisions resulting in lessened congestion.  The site offers current highway speeds, tips for the best times to travel, and one can search for anything their heart desires - trailheads, shopping, parking, lodging, restaurants – anywhere along I-70 mountain corridor.  A mobile phone app and a text messaging system are other valuable components!

During the Fall of 2010, as an organization, the Coalition responded to CDOT's Final PEIS.  The Federal Highway Administration and CDOT signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for the PEIS in June 2011.  With a commitment to evaluate and implement an Advanced Guideway System (AGS) within the corridor, early specific highway improvements will include:
• Six lanes from Floyd Hill through the Twin Tunnels including a bike trail and frontage roads from Idaho Springs East to Hidden Valley
• Empire Junction Improvements
• Eastbound auxiliary lane from Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels (EJMT) to Herman Gulch
• Westbound auxiliary lane from Bakerville to the EJMT

The I70 Coalition continues to push for implementation of the highway improvements listed in the PEIS.  One high priority area identified was the Twin Tunnel to Floyd Hill section of I70.  In the Fall of 2011, the Transportation Commission approved $60 million for the Twin Tunnel Project.  This will add capacity to this very congested section of the I70 mountain corridor and is expected to be complete by Fall 2013. 

Coalition members, both private and public, are coordinating efforts to implement long-term transportation improvements along the mountain corridor while representing the Coalition's best interests. The Coalition has proven to be a powerful voice for local and regional transportation interests.  Coalition members maintain an involved presence on the various leadership teams, task forces, and committees that are working to study and implement the I70 improvements identified in the PEIS.

Value of the Coalition

  • Serves as an advocate and strong voice on transportation issues impacting the I-70 mountain corridor and off corridor communities. 
  • Brings state and national attention to the importance of transportation improvements in the I-70 Corridor. 
  • Brings together and creates consensus among over 36 local governments and private sector entities, including ski resorts
  • Maintains a relationship and communication with CDOT, State Legislature and Federal Congressional Delegation.
  • Direct involvement in studies, plans and processes which impact on the I70 corridor.
  • Provides Education and Outreach around issues surrounding the I-70 corridor. 
  • Investigates and implements transportation demand management strategies that will impact I70 congestion in the near term.
  • Advocates for transportation financing for the I-70 corridor through outreach and education of our state and national political leaders.
  • Engages members and potential members through meetings and presentations that provide an update on the status of all current I-70 corridor transportation activities. 

Coalition Members

Counties:

Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, and Summit.

Municipalities:

Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Carbondale, Dillon, Eagle, Empire, Fraser, Frisco, Georgetown, Golden, Grand Lake, Idaho Springs, Leadville, Minturn, Silverthorne, Silver Plume, Vail, and Winter Park.

Private Sector Members:

Powder Corp-Copper Mountain Resort, Intrawest Winter Park and Vail Resorts.

Other Members:

Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)