Anticipate more traffic for Presidents Day weekend

View Spanish Version

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be prepared for additional traffic over the next few days as people travel to and from ski resorts and other mountain locations during Presidents Day weekend.

Heavy traffic is anticipated on Interstate 70 west of Denver and other mountain highways, beginning today and continuing through Monday. Although vehicle numbers were down slightly due to travel restriction recommendations in 2021, traffic increased at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels over Presidents Day weekend:

Weekend recreational traffic is expected to remain high on I-70 through mid-April. Drivers also should anticipate increased weekday traffic in late March and early April due to additional travel opportunities during spring break.

CDOT continues to remind drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions. The Passenger Vehicle Traction Law requires that all motorists have 3/16” tire tread depth and an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon), tires with an all-weather rating, or mud/snow tires (M+S icon). If a vehicle has neither all-wheel, four-wheel drive or the adequate tires mentioned above, it must have chains or an approved alternative traction device. For more information about the Traction Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.

A transit alternative is available to those traveling to Loveland Ski Area, A-Basin, Copper Mountain and Steamboat Springs. Snowstang is offering a two for one roundtrip ticketing option through April. Buy one full-fare ticket and take someone along at no cost. An adult fare is $25 to Loveland, A-Basin and Copper Mountain, and $40 to Steamboat Springs. Children 2 to 11 years old ride free traveling with an adult. Please note all riders must be booked on the reservation at the time of booking. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: ridebustang.com.

Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by checking cotrip.org. In addition, Goi70.com offers weekend travel forecasts that are updated every Thursday afternoon to help you plan.

Winter Wise

CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Safety Law, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov. To download CDOT’s Winter Wise safety education materials, please visit: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/campaign-materials