With the mercury rising, Coloradans are gearing up to beat the heat by heading to cooler mountain locales, leading to heavy traffic on the I-70 Mountain Corridor. As reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation, following the Memorial Day weekend, delays are expected to intensify with Denver's temperature forecast to hit the triple digits and a roster of summer events beckoning in the Colorado mountain towns.
The upcoming weekend could mirror the congestion seen last year, from June 21 to June 23, when Front Rangers fled the city heat for the promise of mountainous relief. Similar conditions are anticipated to begin on Friday, June 20, as festivities pick up pace throughout the region. CDOT has reminded motorists to plan for a busy season, with traffic impacts expected to persist, especially leading into the Fourth of July weekend, which is pegged as one of the heaviest travel periods for the corridor.
Data from last year highlights the extent of the traffic with delays aplenty. The CDOT encourages travelers to ensure their vehicle is in good shape to avoid issues like overheating and to pack essentials, including water, snacks, and a fully charged cellphone with the necessary apps for up-to-date travel route information. With a travel time from C-470 to Silverthorne possibly exceeding two hours, being prepared can make a significant difference.
Those looking to avoid the hassle of driving can look into the CDOT’s Bustang transit system, which covers I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction and I-25 between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. The Outrider provides another option for rural travel, and Pegasus shuttle vans operate on the I-70 west corridor between Denver and Avon. For the most direct approach to avoiding peak traffic times, travelers can access current forecasts via GoI70.com. More tips and information for safe summer travel are available through various CDOT resources, ensuring that those on the move stay informed and ready for the elements and any unforeseen events.
