Expect More Traffic for Holiday Weekend

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers to anticipate heavier than normal traffic this weekend, especially in mountainous areas, as people take advantage of the three-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

“We really begin to see traffic increase – especially the ski traffic – in mid-January,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Tony DeVito.  “Drivers should plan on seeing significantly more traffic on the mountain highways, not just this weekend, but for the next two to three months.”

Traffic on Interstate 70 west typically increases on the Friday prior to the MLK weekend, with westbound traffic expected to be heavier than normal today and Saturday, with heavier than normal traffic anticipated on eastbound I-70 Sunday and Monday, especially between Vail and the Denver area.

“Because heavier traffic is expected on eastbound I-70, we’re going to implement our Rolling Speed Harmonization program on MLK Day,” added DeVito.  “Drivers should be prepared to be part of the pacing operation if they’re heading eastbound from around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. so if you’re in it, please use caution, and please cooperate with the officers conducting the procedure – including not trying to pass the officer’s vehicle.  By slowing down a bit, it actually helps improve safety and traffic flow.”

Vehicles counts at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels in 2011 are as follows:

Colorado highway information is available at all times on the cotrip.org website or by calling 511.  Updates also are offered via e-mail.  Please visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.  The link takes you to a list of subscription items.