Expect Heavy Traffic on I-70 West Corridor this Weekend

February 9, 2018 - Denver Metro Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - Adverse Weather also could Impact Travel in Other Areas of State

 

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to expect longer travel times due to heavy traffic and adverse weather along Interstate 70 between the Denver area and Vail this weekend. 

Motorists heading west this afternoon and tomorrow morning should anticipate an additional 30 to 45 minutes of travel time from Denver to the Eisenhower Tunnel.  Eastbound I-70 can expect the same delays on Saturday andSunday afternoon as ski traffic heads back to the Front Range.

In addition to heavier traffic volumes, cold, wind and snow returns to Colorado this weekend.  Evening commuters should anticipate freezing drizzle in the Denver area, along I-25 north, I-76 and Eastern Plains.   Snow accumulations will become more pronounced and widespread this evening and tomorrow and continuing into early Sunday morning. The central mountains and I-70 Corridor will see highest accumulations, along with mountain passes across the state.

Visibility on the highways also could be difficult, with wind gusts in the central mountains up to 50 mph, reducing sight distances at the Eisenhower Tunnel, and on Loveland, Vail and Berthoud passes.

WINTER TRAVEL TIPS:

  • Log on to CDOT’s Winter Driving web page at: http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving for road conditions winter driving tips and other information; or for I-70 West Mountain Corridor travel, go here: http://goi70.com/.
  • Be sure you have good snow tires. How do you know if you need new snow tires? Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with Washington’s head going in first; if the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK (do this test in multiple points around each tire.) If the top of his head is visible at any point, you need new tires.
  • Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.
  • If you are stuck in a storm, do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.
  • Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock deicer.
  • Remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions, especially if you have inadequate snow tires.
  • Drive for the conditions. In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, do not drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents.
  • In addition to these winter driving tips, CDOT reminds all motorists to respect winter weather, conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, and leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road (including plow trucks). Of course, always buckle up!

AVOID A FINE!
Motorists should be aware the Traction Law (Code 15) and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16) is implemented when conditions warrant.  When either law is in effect, highway signage is activated.

  • Traction Law: Motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel-drive vehicle—all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
  • Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: Every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).

A $130 fine is possible if a driver is not utilizing proper equipment.  Blocking the highway due to negligence can net a $650 fine.