GDT > Projects > Western Rail Proposals > I-70 Express Rail

While upgrades to the Central Corridor are certainly needed, there is only so much that can be done to the line that suffers from low line speeds due to curve geometry and does not serve some of the biggest mountain resorts such as Vail. If rail is to provide a genuine alternative transportation system to road traffic on I-70 for locals, commuters and tourists alike, major new construction will be required on the I-70 corridor.

A full rail solution to adequately serve the I-70 corridor involves a new line from from Winter Park to West Vail via Silverthorne and the Vail Valley where it would join the Tennessee Pass alignment near to Minturn. The line should be specified for speeds of up to 125mph and the main civil engineering features would be two long tunnels. The first tunnel would run from Winter Park to Silverthorne and be approx. 24 miles long. The second tunnel would run from Silverthorne to East Vail and be approx. 11 miles long.

I-70 Express Rail Map

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