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Even though it’s “Off Season”, expect to see some crowds on the road Sunday heading eastbound. The rush will start around Noon and end around 7:00 p.m. Previous years on this weekend, the maximum delay was between 38-68 minutes. No significant Friday westbound, or Saturday eastbound volume is expected.

Plan accordingly if you want to avoid the Sunday crawl!

 The initial results of the rolling speed harmonization test conducted on August 13th on eastbound I-70 between Silverthorne and the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel are indicating that this effort does have the ability to create more uniform speeds for vehicles, and as a result, could improve safety, reduce traffic crashes and ultimately improve traffic flow on the corridor.  

When rolling speed harmonization is underway, a law enforcement vehicle runs with its emergency lights and merges ahead of traffic to pace vehicles and create more speed uniformity. Data showed very high compliance, and speed differentials were reduced which is a key determinant since wide variations in speed lead to higher probability of accidents, which in turn increases congestion substantially.  Only one driver tried to pass the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) pace vehicle–several times– but the officer was able to use a loud speaker to gain compliance. The test showed that communication and operational coordination worked well with all parties – CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and the Silverthorne Police Department.

It appears from initial test indicators, this can possibly be another tool to maximize the existing capacity on I-70.  This test did not adversely affect traffic and it flowed smoothly throughout the test period. However, the vehicle counts were not that high – High: 1,479 vehicles, Low: 1,200 vehicles. 

Because the results were positive, a next test will be conducted on September 25^th extending from Silverthorne to Empire Junction/US 40.  As it’s currently scheduled for a Sunday, traffic volumes will be higher and more realistic to when this effort would be deployed. If results are still positive, CDOT will conduct the next round of rolling speed harmonization in December when winter driving conditions are likely in effect.

Travel Forecast

Good news for weekend travelers!  The historical data shows that this post-Labor Day weekend should have a lot less congestion than previous weekends.  Still expect some thick traffic westbound Friday afternoon/evening and then the  eastbound trip on Sunday will be slow (12 minute delays last year) from 1:00-6:00 so avoid that timeframe.

For the latest traffic updates,

Folks are ready to escape the heat on the Front Range this weekend so expect a big rush westbound on Friday afternoon.   Remember that this holiday weekend brings with it one of the last big traffic jams of the season.  We’re here to help you avoid that jam!

On Friday afternoon there will be a burst of travelers  from the Front Range headed west to the mountains that should begin around 4pm and taper off by 8pm.   

Saturday morning will see approximately 20 minute delays from 10am – 3pm.

Sunday will likely be the best day to travel in either direction as far as traffic goes.  We expect that the return trip east on I-70 on Sunday will be without incident or delay.

Monday travelers should be prepared for the classic Sunday Back from the Mountains Jam. Traffic will move at normal highway speeds in the early morning Monday, but eastbound delays will begin around 10am.  By about 2pm the peak (80 minutes delay last year) will occur and speeds will drop to as low as 19 mph around the Twin Tunnels.  The last two Labor Day Weekends, the traffic subsided right around 6:30 p.m.

Plan to avoid the long crawl by leaving early or staying late in the mountains.   Have the updates come right to you by following @goi70 on Twitter, or keep tabs on it by simply checking messages at GoI70.com/mobile. 

Happy Labor Day!

We are in unchartered territory this weekend!  The USA Pro Cycling tour is expected to bring a record-breaking number of spectators to our state this week and weekend and judging from the number of people in Vail yesterday, that seems likely.

Saturday Race Impacts:

1)      Swan Mountain Rd closed from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2)      State Highway 9/US 6 in Summit County, up to 30 min delays for northbound State Highway 9/US 6 at Silverthorne/Dillon from  2:00 p.m. –  3:30 p.m.

3)      I-70  Eastbound and westbound off-ramps closed at Exit 205 (Silverthorne/Dillon Exit) from  2:00 p.m.-  3:30 p.m.

4)      State Highway 9 northbound and southbound at Swan Mtn. Rd. in Breckenridge area, Up to 30 minute delays expected  from 2:30 p.m.- 4 p.m.

The Town of Breck is saying if you want to watch the finish in Breckenridge, be where you want to be by 1:00 p.m.  For Sunday Metro Denver I70 delays, check cotrip.org.

Plan on the typical weekend travel patterns as noted below, but expect to have a few more friends on the road as folks come and go for the bike race! 

Westbound Friday: 
Expect some westbound delays between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 with the peak occurring around 4:00. 

Eastbound Saturday & Sunday:
On this weekend last year, there were no significant to the Front Range on Saturday as traffic was spread out over the day.  On Sunday, expect  congestion to begin by 11:30 a.m., be significant at its peak between 3:00-4:00 and drop off around 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy the cycling in the mountains and in Golden/Denver this weekend!

CDOT has identified the following Stage 3 Traffic Impacts

PLEASE NOTE: Traffic impacts are based on a start time of 1 p.m. and may be subject to change. Additional unforeseen delays of up to 30 minutes are possible on local roads.

In coordination with Medalist Sports, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and other state entities, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has prepared traveler impact information for motorists during what may be the largest spectator event in Colorado history. 

From Monday, August 22 through Sunday, August 28, the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge (USAPCC) will bring the world’s top cyclists and their fans to the state and impact numerous highways and in order to prepare motorists, CDOT has posted details its website.

Race officials are estimating that it may draw more than one million spectators over the course of seven consecutive days. Traversing more than 500 miles of Colorado terrain, racers will pass through numerous towns and cities, including but not limited to Aspen, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Gunnison, Salida, Steamboat Springs, and Vail.

The I-70 corridor will likely be impacted as follows:

·         August 25/Day 4/Stage 3 Vail Time Trial: I-70 will be impacted from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m.  Most impacts will be between the summit of Vail Pass, the Town of Vail and US 24.  Details: http://cotrip.org/content/usapcc/

·         August 26/Day 5/Stage 4 from Avon to Steamboat Springs: Highways impacted include I-70 in Eagle County, State Highway 131, and US 6.  Impacts to I70 would occur between Noon-1 p.m. but are not anticipated to be significant.   Details: http://cotrip.org/content/usapcc/

·         August 27/Day 6/Stage 5 from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge: Highways impacted include I-70, State Highway 9, State Highway 134, US 6, US 40, and Rabbit Ears Pass. Impacts to I70 in Summit County are anticipated starting at 2 p.m. and should end by approximately 4 p.m.   Details: http://cotrip.org/content/usapcc/

Enjoy this exciting event!

Westbound Friday: 
Expect some westbound delays between the hours of 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm with the peak occurring around 4:00 pm. 

Eastbound Saturday & Sunday:
No significant delays are expected heading back to the Front Range on Saturday.  See the visual below for what traffic looked like this same Sunday last year.   In short, find a sunny deck, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the cool mountain air into the evening.

 for the most real-time traffic updates.

Safe travels this weekend!

 The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be performing maintenance operations at various locations along Interstate 70 between Silverthorne and the Eisenhower Tunnel this week.

 The Colorado Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Colorado State Patrol, and Silverthorne Police Department, is testing a new method aimed at reducing congestion and accidents on eastbound Interstate 70 from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, a single CSP or SPD car will switch on its emergency lights and merge ahead of traffic, starting just east of the Silverthorne Interchange.  The police vehicle will use the center lane to pace eastbound vehicles, at speeds between 45 and 55 mph, to the entrance of the EJMT.  Pacing operations will repeat about every 10 minutes, until around 4 p.m.

Saturday’s test will help determine the feasibility of pacing vehicles during heavier traffic periods in July and August and winter weekends during the ski season.  Information, including traffic counts, speeds and flows, will be collected and analyzed to determine if the initial test enhanced safety and traffic flow.  If the data is favorable, another test will be put into operation on the segment from Silverthorne to Empire in late September.

“The primary purpose of testing Rolling Speed Harmonization is to improve traffic flow and see if it’s possible to eliminate metering at the tunnel,” says CDOT Regional Transportation Director Tony DeVito.  “If we can keep traffic flowing evenly at a safe speed through the corridor during our heavier traffic periods, we can keep I-70 from the gridlock that creates to need to meter.”

CDOT holds or “meters” eastbound traffic at the tunnel when vehicle volumes exceed the capacity of I-70.  When back-ups occur, CDOT stops vehicles from entering the tunnel, allowing traffic to clear, before releasing more traffic into the tunnel.

“It’s not just about eliminating the need to meter, it’s also about the safety of the traveling public,” adds DeVito.  “As traffic volumes increase, the differentials in speed among vehicles increase the possibility of traffic accidents and accidents contribute to the congestion problem.  It’s a vicious circle.”

Similar speed control operations, often known as “Rolling Road Blocks,” have been effectively utilized in other states, such as Florida, Nebraska and Virginia, to safely move vehicles through heavy traffic areas or construction zones.

After Rolling Speed Harmonization is tested for its effectiveness in dry conditions, CDOT, CSP and SPD will test its use again at the end of the year, during winter driving conditions.

Weekend Travel Forecast
Friday Westbound:  Previous years on this weekend have not shown significant delays heading up to the mountains on Friday evenings.

Saturday Eastbound:  Traffic is fairly spread out on Saturdays and heavy traffic has not been an issue.  It will be interesting to see how the speed harmonization test this Saturday (see above) will impact travel!

Sunday Eastbound:  Expect the typical Sunday summer pattern.  Traffic builds around 11:00 a.m., peaks around 3:00 or 4:00, and the highway congestion clears around 8:00 p.m.  Expect 60-70 minute delays for a trip from Vail to Golden during that peak congestion time.

As usual, we will bring you another travel forecast next weekend!

Floyd Hill:
CDOT begins rotomilling and paving Interstate 70 between the top of Floyd Hill and the Twin Tunnels on Sunday, August 7.
Project hours are:
• Sunday – 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Monday through Thursday – 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Work hours will be adjusted, as needed, to maintain adequate traffic flow through the area.
Traffic impacts will vary, depending on the work zone location:
• Between the Twin Tunnels and U.S. 6 – Only one lane open on eastbound or westbound I-70.
• Between U.S. 6 and the top of Floyd Hill – Eastbound or westbound I-70 will be closed between the bottom of Floyd Hill and the Beaver Brook Interchange (Exit 248), with traffic detoured to U.S. 6 and U.S. 40. To maintain safety due to additional traffic, law enforcement officers and flaggers will be directing vehicles along the 4 ½ mile detour route. Temporary stops signs also will be placed at key locations where side road traffic normally does not stop.
The project begins on eastbound I-70, at the east portal of the Twin Tunnels, and proceeds east to the top of Floyd Hill. It then switches to westbound I-70, moving west from the top of Floyd Hill.
Work also includes reconstructing the bridge at the bottom of Floyd Hill on westbound I-70. The paving and bridge work is expected to be completed by mid-September. Remaining items, such as striping and finishing work, will be done by September 30, 2011.

Vail Pass:
Construction continues Monday through Thursday from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. and until noon on Fridays. PLEASE NOTE: while the traffic holds will last for 5 minutes, delays will exceed that time, as traffic queues are cleared.
During construction hours, motorists can expect single-lane closures in both directions. The project goal is to minimize traffic delays to 20 minutes during normal travel conditions. The work on West Vail Pass will continue through September.