Expect Heavy Traffic on I-25 South of Denver this Summer

DENVER—If you're traveling on Interstate 25 between the Denver area and Colorado Springs this summer, give yourself extra time due to seasonal recreational activities in the southern part of the state—including this weekend's opening of the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

Traffic is expected to be at its heaviest on southbound I-25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and northbound from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

"Summer events are in full swing and it's the opening weekend of the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, so we expect it to be a very busy weekend on the I-25 south corridor," said CDOT Region One Transportation Director Paul Jesaitis. "Safety is our first priority, and we're encouraging drivers to take some time to plan their trip accordingly."

Area Study

Also in this area, a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study is underway between Monument and Lone Tree to identify immediate and longer-term solutions to this critical stretch of highway, connecting the state's two largest cities. CDOT is soliciting public input to analyze and address issues related to safety, mobility and travel reliability.

The PEL was initiated before funding was secured for construction. This approach allows CDOT to accelerate the environmental analyses required when construction funds are identified. Learn more.

Travel Tips

  • Know road conditions and check traffic cameras by visiting www.cotrip.org, or dialing 511 from anywhere in the state. Drivers can also sign up to receive wireless text alerts and/or emails about road conditions.

  • Understand the penalties for failing to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. The "Move Over for Cody Act" stipulates that failing to move over carries the possibility of 12 to 18 months in jail, and a fine up to $5,000. The new law is named for Colorado State Patrol Trooper Cody Donahue, who was killed in 2016 when a tractor-trailer driver drifted onto the shoulder and hit Donahue while he was outside his cruiser responding to another crash.

  • Be aware of the state's Move-It Law, requiring drivers involved in minor accidents on interstates to move their vehicles immediately out of traffic to a safe location. The insurance industry also encourages compliance with the Move-It law, reassuring drivers there will still be a full investigation of the crash to determine fault.