Colorado to aid truckers in finding parking space near Vail

The Trucker News Services

11/10/2008

VAIL, Colo. — When Interstate 70 across Vail Pass closes because of inclement weather, as was the case 43 times last year, it can be hard to find a place to park a truck in Vail, Colo., according to Colorado Department of Transportation officials.

There just isn’t much room, plus that means a lot of idling diesel engines in one place, which isn’t very enjoyable for neighbors out for a stroll.

So., to reduce the congestion, Colorado transportation officials have come up with a strategy.

First, truckers driving from the west will be alerted to conditions more frequently. Some $3 million has been spent to install 14 variable-message signs. Those signs will tell truckers of what lies ahead and what doesn’t.

In other words, they will be advised to snag parking spaces well away from the foot of the pass, even as far away as Dotsero and Gypsum some 50 miles away.

There will be 410 parking spaces for trucks along highways and frontage roads in this more distant location.