Heavy Traffic Ahead for Christmas Holiday

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers to expect heavier than normal traffic in many areas of the state for the next several days as people travel for the Christmas holiday.  

“Our wish for everyone is have a safe trip wherever they may go, not only during the holidays but continuing through 2019,” said CDOT Executive Director Michael Lewis.  “Our maintenance crews also will be at the ready to keep roads open for those who’ll be traveling to see family and friends or heading out for recreation.”

In addition to a no-work requirement by 12 p.m. Friday, CDOT projects will be suspended statewide by noon on Monday, Dec. 24.  Projects are allowed to resume their regular schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Traffic on Interstate 70 west from Denver is expected to be heavy on Friday and on Christmas Eve, and the days following Christmas.  Heavier than normal traffic should be anticipated on eastbound I-70 on Saturday, Dec. 29, and Sunday, Dec. 30, especially between Vail and the Denver area from mid-morning until late afternoon.  

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

 Christmas week, not including Christmas Day, is one of the higher travel periods in Colorado.  Last year’s vehicles counts at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels:

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 www.cotrip.org.