Prepare for heavy travel on the I-70 Mountain Corridor and other mountain passes as skiers head for the powder and sunshine this weekend

Travel Advisory

Feb. 21, 2025 - Colorado - Plan ahead!

I-70 Mountain Corridor — Patience, planning and extra time will be needed this weekend for mountain travelers following several days of heavy snow fall, round-the-clock plowing and avalanche mitigation operations. The combination of warmer temperatures, blue skies and abundant fresh powder will make for heavy traffic particularly along the I-70 Mountain Corridor and US 40 Berthoud Pass.

The Colorado Department of Transportation expects a double traffic peak on Friday with a rush of motorists headed up the I-70 Mountain Corridor from Golden through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT) to Vail in the morning and after work with the peak hour expected around 6 p.m. today.

There will be extremely heavy traffic and delays on Saturday morning on westbound I-70, and later in the afternoon and evening as motorists head eastbound back to Denver. The weekend after President’s Day last year, there were five hours of traffic metering until 10 p.m. on Saturday at the EJMT for motorists heading eastbound on I-70. About 2,900 vehicles went through the tunnel per hour.

Similar delays are expected this weekend with the new, deep snow and sunny weather. CDOT expects 3,000 vehicles per hour will travel the tunnel on Sunday afternoon, which will necessitate metering on the west side of the tunnel.

Peak Travel Times - Expect Congestion and Delays

Friday, Feb. 21

  • 3 p.m. - Eastbound I-70, along the entire corridor
  • 5 to 8 p.m. - Westbound I-70 starting at Floyd Hill

Saturday, Feb. 22

  • 6 to 8 a.m. - Westbound I-70 starting at Floyd Hill
  • 2 to 6 p.m. - Eastbound I-70, starting at Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels

Sunday, Feb. 23

  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Eastbound I-70, starting at Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels

If you are traveling the I-70 mountain corridor this weekend:

  • Plan ahead, check the weather and COtrip.org for the latest road conditions
  • Avoid the morning and evening peak travel times
  • Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, double your travel time if not more
  • Set realistic expectations that it will take longer than expected to reach your destination
  • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with a full tank of gas, snow tires and an emergency kit containing extra clothing, food, water and batteries
  • Watch for snowpack and slick areas, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and mountain roads and passes
  • Leave plenty of following distance and don’t be in a hurry
  • Expect traffic metering at the EJMT during peak travel times
  • Know that CDOT crews and our winter operations team have been working 24/7 to clear roads, monitor road conditions and keep you informed
  • Be patient!

To give an idea of how heavy the snow is, email [email protected] for the video of CDOT’s snow removal operations at the Loop Road by the EJMT.

CDOT snow removal equipment plowing several feet of snow on Loop Road by the EJMT.
CDOT snow removal equipment plowing several feet of snow on Loop Road by the EJMT.

Winter Travel Tips for Motorists

  • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts and blowing snow due to strong winds.
  • Work from home if you can.
  • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (check info sources below).
  • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
    Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
  • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snow plows.

Safety Closures

A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

Chain & Traction Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit freight.colorado.gov/mountain-rules/chain-up-tips. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: