CDOT and Colorado State Patrol to begin metering on-ramps to eastbound I-70 at Frisco and Silverthorne

February 15, 2014 - MEDIA ADVISORY - Central Eastern Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - DENVER/NORTHEAST COLORADO — Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February and continuing on Sunday and Monday, CDOT and the State Patrol will metering traffic merging onto eastbound I-70 from the on-ramps at mile post 203 (Frisco) and 205 (Silverthorne).

An effort to better manage the high volume of traffic that enters I-70, the metering is designed to keep the interstate flowing more smoothly and to reduce the stop and go conditions that cause delay as vehicles approach the Eisenhower Tunnel on a snow-packed highway.

Personnel will work to manage back-ups on US 6 and SH 9, but travelers should expect some delays during the peak hours.  Metering will occur all day through approximately 6 p.m. but will be lifted when conditions warrant.  Travelers should also watch for CSP to periodically escort traffic during the height of congestion to allow for small gaps for CDOT snow plows and to address delays at Eisenhower Tunnel.

CDOT continues to develop strategies to address incident response and is implementing plans to prepare this weekend for heavy volume and possible adverse weather conditions.  Among the strategies that CDOT will employ:

  • Expand CDOT’s I-70 West Courtesy Patrol to aid and assist stranded motorists with disabled vehicles
  • Schedule more CDOT snow plow crews to supplement the existing crews in Summit County and Clear Creek County
  • Work with stakeholders such as commercial vehicle providers to manage traffic flow on the corridor
  • Promote good winter driving tips including checking tires for good tread prior traveling into the high country and promote increased used of passenger vehicle traction through chains and alternative traction devices

To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org, downloading the CDOT Mobile app or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.