More Traffic Anticipated for 2017 Thanksgiving Week

Nov. 21, 2017 -

DENVER—Drivers should expect heavier-than-normal traffic for the next few days as people travel for the Thanksgiving holiday and visit larger shopping areas.

"We're wishing all Coloradans a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend," said CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt. "Since a lot of people will be traveling the state's roadways, we'll do our part to reduce traffic impacts over the holiday weekend."

CDOT construction projects will be suspended statewide on Wednesday at noon. Projects will resume their regular schedules on Monday, Nov. 27.

Traffic on I-70 west from Denver typically increases on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, with westbound traffic expected to be heavier than normal through Friday, primarily from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Heavier-than-normal traffic should be anticipated on eastbound I-70 Saturday and Sunday, especially between Vail and the Denver area from late morning until late afternoon.

I-25 traffic also is expected to be higher than normal along the Front Range this weekend, especially due to the number of large shopping areas located on and near the corridor.

Thanksgiving generally is not one of the higher holiday travel weekends. Last year’s vehicles counts at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels:

Westbound

Eastbound

Total

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 25,704 17,872 43,576
Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 14,862 10,586 25,448
Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 19,178 17,121 36,299
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 17,866 27,224 45,090
Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 13,266 19,155 32,421

Total

90,876

91,958

182,834


Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by going to COtrip.org. Updates also are available via e-mail or text.