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."

Colorado's I-70 Mountain Corridor is like a clogged artery leading right to the heart of Colorado.

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.  A final PEIS draft is expected to be released September 10, 2010 with a final Record of Decision (ROD) in late 2010.  No substantive work can begin on the I70 corridor until the ROD has been completed.

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 includes 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 addresses 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 also will respond to the CDOT's Final PEIS.  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.

Value of the Coalition

  • Research and plan for a preferred transit solution for the I-70 mountain corridor.
  • Pursue construction mitigation strategies including alternate route development.
  • Seek funding (private and public) to assist in hiring and retaining personnel who will serve as a liaison for the I-70 Coalition.
  • Continue to work with CDOT to help define construction and operational mitigation policies for the mountain corridor and work cooperatively on future environmental studies.
  • Partner with the Front Range and Mountain Corridor Transit Agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Transportation Planning Regions to create seamless transit connectivity from the Front Range into the I-70 mountain corridor.
  • Pursue the most appropriate organizational structure to effectively develop and implement a 21st century transit solution in the I-70 mountain corridor.

Coalition Members

Counties:

Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jefferson and Summit.

Municipalities:

Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Carbondale, Dillon, Eagle, Empire, Fraser, Frisco, Georgetown, Glenwood Springs, 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)