Continuous Flow Metering in Effect on I-70 Mountain Corridor

Statewide – Heavy Traffic is expected along the I-70 mountain corridor Friday, January 3 through Sunday, January 5 for eastbound and westbound traffic. Winter weather is forecasted and motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time and use caution when travelling in this area. Continuous flow metering will be in effect on eastbound I-70 from the Silverthorne exit. Traffic will be spread out into four lanes with traffic signals located above each lane.  The traffic signals will be used to alternate lanes of traffic in an effort to more efficiently regulate the flow of traffic into and through the tunnel. The traffic signals will cycle every 4 to 8 seconds so that vehicles will only have to stop briefly before being allowed to enter into the tunnel.

Continuous flow metering provides that vehicles only stop for brief periods of time. This reduces the delays caused by traditional metering, which requires all vehicles to stop up to 20 minutes at a time.  For every minute traffic is stopped using this type of metering, it can take as much as eight minutes to get the backed up traffic moving again.

Motorists travelling eastbound I-70 through the Eisenhower tunnel this weekend are encouraged to visit www.cotrip.org or call 511 for updates on current road and traffic conditions. Travelers are encouraged to utilize facilities in Silverthorne prior to reaching the Eisenhower Tunnel. After leaving Silverthorne the next available facilities are located in Georgetown. Heavy delays are expected due to traffic counts and winter weather. Historically, travel times from Silverthorne to Georgetown have exceeded 3 hours during this travel weekend. With winter weather anticipated motorists should prepare for similar delays and travel times through this corridor.

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. Updated road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Download our CDOT mobile app for more information, road conditions and project updates. Up to date information is also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page www.facebook.com/coloradodot.