Adding high-speed transit to Interstate 70 to the mountains would increase safety, save money and bring in more tourist revenue, a new study says.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, which proposed such a system in 2011, partnered with other counties and organizations to fund the study by Development Research Partners.

Commuters to and from Denver would save $8.4 million in vehicle maintenance costs and travel time, the study predicts. Visitors and mountain corridor residents would bring the total savings to $12.7 million.

The system would attract 4.2 million more visitors to the I-70 corridor, and they could spend up to $548.6 million on food, lodging and entertainment, the study says.

These revenue sources would support 6,428 employees predicted to earn $227.2 million total, the study states. That would mark a big change in the region, as employment rates in the mountain corridor have grown at about half the annual rate seen in the metro Denver region since 2001.

Beyond the economic impact, the study says, the system could improve the area’s environment and health, as studies show that living in areas with high traffic volume raises the risks for asthma, cancer and other health conditions.

“A transit system connecting the I-70 mountain corridor and the metro Denver urban corridor would provide an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people by reducing pollution, removing the stress of driving, potentially reducing personal transportation costs, and providing greater options for employment and housing option,” the study states.

“A high-speed transit system would provide enhanced opportunities for increased economic activity, increased employment and earnings, and expanded residential and commercial development opportunities.”