Summer traffic along the I-70 Mountain Corridor is well underway

Statewide — Memorial Day weekend officially kicked off summer travel along the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, but motorists should expect delays to start ramping up as Denver hits triple digits and summer activities and events in mountain communities create a big draw.

Traffic data for the upcoming weekend this time last year, Friday, June 21, through Sunday, June 23, 2024, shows that there were extensive delays as Front Rangers headed up the corridor to beat the heat. With 100 degree weather in the Denver metro area expected this weekend and with music and food festivals ramping up throughout Colorado mountain towns, the Colorado Department of Transportation expects to see similar impacts this year starting Friday, June 20.

Last Year's I-70 Mountain Corridor Congestion

Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, 2024

Weekend traffic impacts will not begin dying down anytime soon, however. The Fourth of July weekend is consistently one of the heaviest travel weekends for the I-70 Mountain Corridor. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, CDOT anticipates seeing significant delays starting Thursday, July 3.

Motorists should plan ahead and be prepared for travel time from C-470 to Silverthorne to take over two hours. In 2024, CDOT saw a few instances of vehicles overheating. Motorists are encouraged to ensure their vehicle has been properly maintained before making the trek up the mountains and pack their vehicles with the following items in the event of a closure or extended delays:

• Water
• Snacks
• Games for passengers
• A full gas tank
• A fully charged cellphone equipped with the COTrip Planner app and the “Tell Me” feature enabled - the app will be able to announce closures or delays along an individual’s travel route without the driver needing to look at their phone

Transportation alternatives

• CDOT’s Bustang transit system provides an alternative for those who would rather not drive. Bustang serves I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction and I-25 between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. Outrider is an option for travel through many rural areas of the state. And Pegasus shuttle vans serve the I-70 west corridor between Denver and Avon. Please visit www.ridebustang.com.
• If possible, adjust travel plans to avoid peak traffic periods. Motorists can use GoI70.com to view the latest traffic forecasts.

Travel safety tips as the weather gets warmer

• Watch for potholes. Winter’s freeze/thaw cycle weather can damage roadways, including the creation of potholes. Spring rain also can make them difficult to see. And they can damage your vehicle, requiring expensive repairs.
• Keep a safe following distance in case the driver in front of you reacts unpredictably. Avoid swerving if you can to avoid a pothole.
• Slow down for summer showers. Roads become slick when it first begins to rain because rainwater mixes with road contaminants, like oil and grease. Increase your following distance to allow for proper braking.
• Watch for pedestrians and bikes. Warmer temperatures mean more people are outside walking or bicycling.
• Slow down and pay extra attention at crosswalks and along roadways.
• Share the road with motorcycles. Motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots due to their speed and size. Always take a second look with more motorcycles out on the road.
• Animals are on the move. Animal activity increases during the spring, either due to mating season or because they are waking up from winter hibernation. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Maintain proper tire air pressure. Tires lose air due to the cold winter temperatures and now can be underinflated. Warmer temperatures can cause tires to be overinflated. Inspect your tires. Adequate tire tread is important for safe driving in wet weather because the tread moves water away from the tire. Less tread means reduced traction.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!