I-70 Mountain Express Lane – Benefits Winter Park

Eastbound I-70:

From the Front Range, I-70 is the way to the West! As many of us know, traffic can be troublesome at times especially when traveling East on Sundays when visitors and “weekend warriors” are heading eastward back to Denver, the airport, and wherever else they may have ventured from.

Travelers leaving Winter Park, Colorado have the least amount of traffic to deal with of all the ski towns off I-70, but even here some troublesome traffic is encountered. The Colorado Department of Transportation has devised and developed a solution for everyone’s benefit: The Mountain Express Lane.

What Is The New Mountain Express Lane?

The left shoulder on I-70 east has been expanded to make the Mountain Express Toll Lane between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs. This lane will be open for use during peak travel times throughout the winter and summer seasons,. If travelers decide to use the express lane they will be charged a fee between $3 and $30 depending on the size of the vehicle and traffic conditions. Early morning on peak days the toll will be reduced to encourage use and decrease potential traffic buildup for the rest of the day. Even those who don’t choose to use the express lane should enjoy reduced traffic and benefit from the lane being open. The Colorado Department of Transportation estimates that travelers will see their travel time reduced by 30 minutes during peak traffic. (A win for all!)

When Will It Open?

The Mountain Express Lane is in the final stages of development. Signage is being placed and testing is being done to make sure drivers understand the new traffic options. The Mountain Express Lane should be open for this winter’s ski season.

Benefits To Grand Park & Winter Park, Colorado:

While everyone traveling East on I-70 will benefit, those traveling from Winter Park, Colorado are the major benefiters of this 72 million dollar project. Why? This project focused on the 13-mile stretch between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs, the major route that travelers heading East from Winter Park take. Those traveling from West of the Empire Junction will still have to deal with the build up of eastward traffic until they reach the new Mountain Express Lane.

Grand Park – Winter Park, Colorado

Grand Park is an environmentally minded community offering a variety of residential options to fit your lifestyle. Incorporating the history and natural beauty of Grand County into public spaces, commercial districts, and residences, Grand Park is the ideal home or home away from home for anyone looking for the mountain life. If you are interested in learning more about Grand Park contact us at 866-495-1726 or email us at info@grandparkco.com.