Delays Expected for Weekend Travel Along I-70 Mountain Corridor
Heavy traffic is expected as we head into the summer travel season along the I-70 mountain corridor. Westbound traffic should expect delays Friday and Saturday and extended travel times as well as heavy congestion is anticipated for eastbound travel on Sunday.
With weather becoming progressively warmer, folks will be headed up to the mountains on Friday afternoon and evening and returning Sunday. Heavy traffic volumes are expected to begin around 11 a.m. on Sunday for those returning to the metro area, and traffic is likely to peak between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Plan accordingly and pack essentials in your vehicle. If possible, avoid these travel times and avoid the rush down the mountain.
Are you wondering what to talk about this weekend when the I-70 traffic gets bad? Tell people that they have options. They can Change Their Peak Time by taking advantage of actual discounts after 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday. Check out the discounts that are currently available by visiting www.goI70.com/deals. Enjoy the mountains a little longer, take that last hike of the day, visit that restaurant you always wanted to go to, stay at the BBQ longer and enjoy the rays at the lake instead of sitting in traffic and staring out your car window. Summer travel times can be long and avoiding westbound travel between 11 and 5 on Sundays can save you time and a headache.
CDOT’s Change Your Peak Time campaign began this year and works to encourage motorists to skip the mountain return rush between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and choose instead to “Press Play, Avoid Delay” by spending extra time having fun in the mountains rather than spending that time in peak traffic. CDOT has partnered with the I-70 Coalition, a consortium representing the mountain communities and resorts, to give travel tips and travel forecasts, and to offer discounts, deals and incentives for travelers interested in avoiding traffic by staying in the mountains for an extra hour or two. Peak Time Deals at www.goi70.com are updated regularly, and list locations of restaurants, entertainment options and retailers along the I-70 corridor offering weekend discounts.
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. Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org, downloading the CDOT Mobile app or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.
