Urgent Update: I-70 Eagle Airport Interchange Project Relaunched

UPDATE: The town of Gypsum has officially relaunched the critical I-70 Eagle Airport Interchange project, addressing urgent traffic congestion and safety concerns for the nearly 20,000 residents between Eagle and Gypsum. With population growth surging over the last two decades, this project is vital for ensuring timely access to emergency services and reducing delays for local commuters.

As traffic delays worsen, locals are feeling the strain. Each year, the window for avoiding gridlock shrinks, exacerbated by the rapid growth of western Eagle County—more than double the population since 2000. The existing interchanges at Gypsum and Eagle are now overloaded, causing dangerous bottlenecks and emergency response delays. In the event of an accident on I-70, local roads become heavily congested, risking safety during evacuations, particularly in wildfire situations.

This ambitious project aims to create a new interstate access point halfway between the existing Gypsum and Eagle exits. It promises not only to alleviate current traffic woes but also to secure the region’s long-term infrastructure needs. By providing vital alternate routes during disasters and decreasing heavy truck traffic on local roads, the project will improve quality of life for residents and bolster the vital tourism industry that supports the area’s economy.

According to preliminary data, the addition of an interchange is projected to reduce traffic by approximately 20% at the Gypsum interchange and 30% at the Eagle interchange, extending their operational lifespan by up to 15 years. This could save taxpayers significant costs associated with near-future expansions.

This initiative is not just a local effort. Eagle County is a key partner, incorporating the interchange into its 2024/2025 Strategic Plan. The Intermountain Transportation Planning Region, a coalition of municipalities across five mountain counties, has also identified this project as a priority. The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration are actively collaborating on the Project Leadership Team, underscoring the project’s importance and urgency.

With a targeted construction start date of 2029, this project represents a crucial step toward delivering necessary infrastructure investments for a safer, more connected future. As stakeholders work to finalize designs and secure funding, residents are encouraged to stay informed on progress by visiting TownofGypsum.com and accessing the “I-70 Eagle Airport Interchange” link.

As these developments unfold, community leaders such as Jeremy Rietmann, Jeff Shroll, David Reid, and Chris Romer are urging residents to recognize the importance of the interchange in supporting not only local traffic but also overall safety and emergency response capabilities.

The time for action is now. The community’s future depends on the successful realization of this project. Share this news to raise awareness about the urgent need for improved infrastructure in Eagle County!