More Traffic Anticipated Across the State Thanksgiving Week

Nov. 19, 2018 -


DENVER—Drivers can expect heavier-than-normal traffic for the next few days as people travel for Thanksgiving and visit the larger shopping areas following the holiday.

"We’re wishing all Coloradans a happy and safe Thanksgiving week,” said CDOT Executive Director Michael Lewis. “Since a lot of people will be traveling the state's roadways, we'll be doing our part to reduce traffic impacts this week."

CDOT construction projects will be suspended statewide at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and will resume their regular schedules on Monday, Nov. 26.

Traffic on westbound I-70 from Denver typically increases on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, with westbound traffic expected to be heavier than normal on Wednesday and Friday. Heavier-than-normal traffic should be anticipated on eastbound I-70 Saturday and Sunday, especially between Vail and the Denver area from late morning until late afternoon.

I-25 traffic also is expected to be higher than normal along the Front Range this weekend, especially due to the number of large shopping areas on or near the corridor.

Thanksgiving generally is not one of the higher holiday travel weekends. Last year's vehicles counts at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels:

2017

Westbound

Eastbound

Total

Wednesday, Nov. 22

25,710

18,503

44,213

Thursday, Nov. 23

15,538

11,570

27,108

Friday, Nov. 24

20,396

17,728

38,124

Saturday, Nov. 25

17,691

24,976

42,667

Sunday, Nov. 26

16,266

25,844

42,110

Total

95,601

98,621

194,222

Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511, or by visiting COtrip.org.