Last hurrah for summer traffic

DENVER – With the last few days of the summer travel season upon us,the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to anticipate additional traffic in many areas of the state due to the numerous events and recreational activities taking place over Labor Day weekend.  

Beginning Friday at noon, CDOT is suspending all construction projects to reduce potential traffic delays.  The only exception is for emergency operations.  Projects can resume their regular schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 7. 

“It is imperative that drivers take all of the necessary precautions  as they travel during these final days of summer,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “This includes following the posted speed limits, being prepared for more traffic, not driving drunk and not driving distracted. Doing so will ensure a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.”   

Heavier than normal traffic should be anticipated on Interstate 25 along the Front Range and on I-70 west of Denver this weekend.  I-70’s traffic tends to be heaviest from mid-morning until late afternoon on Friday, and from 7 a.m. to mid-afternoon on Saturday.  Eastbound I-70 traffic will be at its peak on Labor Day from mid-morning to late afternoon, especially from Summit County to the Denver area. 

Drivers are reminded to plan additional travel time when traveling I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, due to reduced speeds.  

The 2020 Labor Day weekend traffic numbers at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels:

Colorado 5 – the Mount Evans Highway – closes from Summit Lake to the top on Tuesday morning, Sept. 7.  The remaining segment from Echo Lake to Summit Lake is scheduled to remain open through Sunday, Oct. 3, weather permitting.  

Other seasonal roadways – CO. 82 over Independence Pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen and Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park – remain open through the fall until adverse weather requires a full closure for the winter.

Drivers can get the latest information on the status of the state’s roadways by checking www.cotrip.org or by calling 511.  Specific information regarding Interstate 70 is available at: www.GoI70.com.