UPDATE: The town of Gypsum has officially relaunched the I-70 Eagle Airport Interchange project, a critical initiative aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion and enhancing safety for the community. This urgent move comes as traffic delays continue to escalate, impacting residents and visitors alike.
Every year, the rush to access I-70 for work, school, or leisure becomes more frantic, with delays growing significantly due to a population surge in western Eagle County. Since 2000, the area’s population has more than doubled, resulting in record traffic levels, including a historic number of enplanements at the Eagle County Regional Airport in 2024.
The current interchanges in Gypsum and Eagle are overwhelmed, creating dangerous bottlenecks that slow emergency responses and local transit. In emergency situations, such as a wildfire, the closure of I-70 can lead to traffic paralyzing local roads, jeopardizing the safety of nearly 20,000 residents living between these towns.
The newly relaunched interchange project aims to establish an additional access point between the existing Gypsum and Eagle exits. This new route is not just about easing commutes; it is essential for the long-term safety and efficiency of the region. By providing faster emergency access, vital alternate routes during disasters, and reducing heavy truck traffic on local roads, the project will significantly enhance the quality of life for all who live and work in the area.
Projected outcomes are promising: the addition of the interchange is expected to reduce traffic by 20% at the Gypsum interchange and 30% at the Eagle interchange. This reduction could extend the lifespan of both existing interchanges by up to 15 years, potentially saving taxpayers major costs associated with imminent expansions.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving not only the town of Gypsum but also Eagle County, which has integrated the interchange into its 2024/2025 Strategic Plan. The Intermountain Transportation Planning Region has prioritized this project, with active participation from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration on the Project Leadership Team.
While projects of this magnitude take time, Gypsum officials are targeting a construction start date of 2029. In the coming years, the town and its partners will finalize designs and secure funding, moving closer to a safer, more connected future for everyone in the community.
To stay updated on the project’s progress, visit TownofGypsum.com and click on the “I-70 Eagle Airport Interchange” link for real-time information.
As the urgency of this project becomes clear, it is a pivotal step towards improving not only traffic conditions but also enhancing the overall safety and accessibility of an area cherished by both residents and visitors.
