CDOT expects increased mountain traffic over Presidents Day weekend

CDOT is warning drivers to plan around increased traffic when traveling through the mountains this Presidents Day weekend.

Presidents Day weekend is one of the busiest times to travel in Colorado, according to a CDOT release.

Last month, more than 1 million vehicles passed through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel along Interstate 70, and CDOT is expecting at least 1 million more this month.

With high traffic to be expected, CDOT recommended several resources to stay on top of conditions:

• Visit COtrip.org to view real-time road conditions and travel alerts, including lane closures for construction.
• Visit GoI70.com to view the traffic forecast and plan traveling around peak times.
• Use public transit such as Bustang to travel to mountain areas.
• Use I-70 Mountain Express Lanes, operating during peak travel times.

Additionally, CDOT is reminding drivers about Colorado’s Traction Law, which is active on the I-70 mountain corridor from September to May. It requires drivers to have 3/16ths of an inch tread depth on their tires and at least one of the following traction devices:

• 4WD/AWD vehicle,
• Tires with mud and snow designation,
• Winter tires,
• Tires with all-weather rating, or
• Chains or another approved traction device.

Drivers without proper equipment could be fined over $130. If a driver’s vehicle blocks a road, they could be fined over $650.

Last February and March, there were a combined total of 65 passenger vehicle crashes and the highway was closed for 100 hours, according to CDOT. Every hour the I-70 mountain corridor is closed can cost up to $2 million in economic impact, affecting local communities.

“While you can’t control the weather or other drivers, you can control how you drive, how well you prepare your vehicle, and your understanding of the rules of the road,” said Andrew Hogle, CDOT Winter Wise communications manager. “Taking these steps can help keep everyone safer.”

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