DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect major traffic delays this weekend along Interstate 70 and US 285 due to heavy leaf-peeping activity.
CDOT stated that this traffic forecast is based on data from last year, when peak congestion stretched from morning into late evening, with traffic metering at the Eisenhower Tunnel and backups on Guanella Pass.
Adding to the congestion is the westbound I-70 closure near Dotsero, following an incident in which an Amazon semi-truck struck the center median and rolled over on Friday evening.
CDOT advises travelers to leave early or late and provides the following list on what drivers should know this weekend:
- Expect heavy traffic heading westbound late morning through early afternoon and eastbound from late morning well into the evening.
- Leave early or late in the day to avoid the worst congestion.
- Be cautious when seeking alternate routes, as local roads such as Guanella Pass cannot accommodate interstate-level traffic.
- Pack patience and allow extra travel time - delays are inevitable.
- Check COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app to stay up to date on travel conditions.
- Visit GoI70.com to check the traffic forecast for this weekend.
The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office is also reminding leaf peepers to avoid getting towed on Guanella Pass by parking in the designated parking spot.
The sheriff’s office stated that it has been busy towing illegally parked vehicles on the narrow Guanella Pass Road, which can hinder access for emergency vehicles responding to incidents on the pass.
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Leaf peeping safety tips from CDOT:
- Be aware of vehicles traveling at lower speeds
- Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadway or parked along the road
- Find safe, designated areas to park
- Drivers, be aware of pedestrians out of their vehicles taking photos
- Pedestrians, watch out for passing vehicles
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