Upcoming Highway Impacts for USA Pro Challenge

July 29, 2013 - Statewide Transportation Plan - STATEWIDE — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the USA Pro Challenge (USAPC), and other entities now have information available to the traveling public regarding the largest spectator event in state history.

Beginning on Monday, August 19, and continuing through Sunday, August 25, the USAPC will bring some of world’s top cyclists and fans to Colorado, impacting numerous state and local roadways. To advise motorists of possible impacts, please click on the USAPC button at the top of the www.cotrip.org page.

The site includes information regarding highway closures, delays, oversize/overweight restrictions, suggested alternative routes, and answers to frequently asked questions. Links to host cities’ websites also are provided, offering information regarding local road closures and long-term parking availability. Delay and closure times are estimates only and subject to change depending on the pace of the race, weather, and other unanticipated situations. Throughout the race, closures will be kept to a minimum and highways will reopen as soon as possible after the race passes.

Daily road closure information during the event will be available by calling 511 from anywhere in the state or by visiting www.cotrip.org. For real-time information related to highway impacts, motorists are encouraged to sign up for CDOT’s email and text alerts, available at www.coloradodot.info by clicking on the green cell phone icon. Motorists can also follow CDOT on Twitter (@coloradodot), and can download the free CDOT Mobile app by sending a text to 25827 or downloading from their app store (available for Droids or iPhones).

The USAPC estimates more than one million spectators will view the seven-day race in person, which will create heavy traffic volume on the highways. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan their travels ahead of time whether or not they plan to watch the race. Navigating nearly 600 miles of terrain, racers will pass through numerous towns and cities, including Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Beaver Creek, Vail, Loveland, Fort Collins and Denver.

Summary of Highway Impacts:

  • August 19/Stage 1/Aspen Circuit: State Highway (SH) 82. Impacts will begin at noon and end at approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 20/Stage 2/from Aspen to Breckenridge: SH 82 east over Independence Pass to Twin Lakes, U.S. 24 south to Buena Vista, U.S. 24/285 over Trout Creek Pass and northwest to Fairplay, SH 9 north over Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge.  Impacts begin at 7 a.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 21/Stage 3 from Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs: SH 9 north to Kremmling, U.S. 40 west to Steamboat Springs.  Impacts begin at 10 a.m. and end at approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 22/Stage 4 from Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek: County roads to Oak Creek, SH 131 south to Wolcott/U.S. 6 east to Avon/Beaver Creek.  Impacts begin at 10:30 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 23/Stage 5/Vail Pass Individual Time Trial: U.S. 6 in Vail (Frontage Road), Interstate 70 westbound Vail Pass (right lane closed).  Impacts begin at 10 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 24/Stage 6/from Loveland to Fort Collins: I-25 entrance/exit ramps between Loveland/Greeley interchange (Exit 257) and Windsor Interchange (Exit 262), U.S. 34, U.S.      287, U.S. 36, SH 7. Highways impacted include State Highway 93, State Highway 119, State Highway 72, State Highway 7, and US 36. Impacts begin at 11 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.
  • August 26/Stage 7/Denver Circuit: U.S. 40/287 (Colfax Avenue) in downtown area.  Impacts begin at 11 a.m. and end by approximately 4 p.m.

Visit www.cotrip.org for road conditions in your area during the race. Spectator information is available at the USA Pro Challenge website www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.