GoI70

Posts Tagged ‘delays’

When making your travel plans for this holiday weekend, remember that you will be sharing the highway with a lot of other people!  Be prepared for delays, or better yet, plan to avoid the peak travel times! 

This weekend’s travel forecast will be visual, with graphs showing what traffic looked like on this weekend in 2009 and 2010.  It is worth noting that the roads were snowy and slick on Friday, Saturday and Monday in 2010 so take that in consideration when looking at the graphs.  Snow is likely along the corridor this weekend, so comparisons to the 2010 traffic might be appropriate.

Friday-

Saturday – Eastbound traffic on Saturday last year followed the classic rush hour pattern beginning soon after 2pm as skiers and boarders left the resorts. Delays of over an hour extended from 2:30 pm to around 6 when highway travel smoothed out and speeds returned to near normal.

Sunday – Sunday afternoon the highways were tame and delays were lighter than those encountered most Sundays. It appeared that fewer travelers than predicted made the trip back to Denver on Sunday.




Monday - Very little westbound traffic on Monday morning, but a typical heavy pattern eastbound in the afternoon.

REMEMBER, CDOT has frequently metered traffic EB on weekend evenings which means up to 20 minute traffic stops at the tunnel. This can sometimes cause the delays to continue past the usual 6:00 p.m. timeframe.  Check GoI70.com/mobile before you jump on the road to see if CDOT is metering, and what the traffic is like at that moment. 

Take your time, stay alert and keep up to date with the GoI70 mobile app at http://goI70.com/mobile

According to CDOT, fewer vehicles went through the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels (EJMT) in 2010 than in 2009, the second time traffic has declined in the last three years. The 2010 count was 11,391,704 vehicles, less than in 2009 by 343,658 vehicles, representing a 2.9% drop in traffic.  In 2008, traffic was down from 2007 by nearly 225,000 vehicles.  “Our best explanation for the lower traffic numbers is carpooling,” says EJMT Tunnel Superintendent Mike Salamon.  “The park-and-ride lots, like those at the Hogback (I-70/Morrison Rd.), are very full on weekends.  It’s not scientific by any means, just an observation.  If it’s true, it’s a win-win for the environment and better for traffic congestion.  And, from what we’re hearing, business appears to be up in Summit County and some of the ski towns as well. We hope that is the case and it continues.”  GoI70 verified with several I70-area resorts that skier numbers were up during the latter part of 2010.

Sorry for the Inconvenience!
You might have noticed that recently the GoI70 system was often slow to load, and sometimes unresponsive.  We were a victim of our own success.  GoI70 and GoI70/mobile users have increased greatly, and the site was overwhelmed.   We apologize for that, but are happy to report the problem has been corrected.  We’ll spare you the technical details, but the bottom line is that we have dramatically streamlined access to nearly every aspect of the site resulting in a faster website and mobile app.  Thank you for your patience and please don’t hesitate to communicate with us about the site, or anything else I70-related that you would like to know about!

Weekend Travel Forecast

Westbound to Mountains:
The Saturday westbound patterns on the same weekend in previous year showed a build up at 6:30 a.m., a peak between 7-7:30, and steadily decreasing delays from there with only a minimal delay by 11:00 a.m.  The Sunday Westbound delay on this weekend in previous years was very minimal.

Eastbound to the Front Range:
The Saturday eastbound trip has historically been the classic weekend pattern -  Build at 2:00 pm, peak at 5:00 and delays end soon after 6:00 pm.  Sunday was the same with slightly longer delays that peaked at 60 minutes.

Enjoy the weekend!

 to receive current road closure and traffic delay info.

 CDOT begins rock mitigation operations in the Georgetown and Idaho Springs area January 19, 2011.   A majority of the work will require a right lane closure at two locations on westbound I-70 (Georgetown Interchange #228 to Silver Plume and then at the west end of Idaho Springs and continuing west to the Fall River Interchange #238), from 10:30 a.m. until dusk, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting.  Drivers should anticipate some slowing through the area while traffic is reduced to one lane.  Traffic stops up to 20 minutes also will be necessary during this project.  An advisory will be distributed at least one week before this phase begins.

Congratulation Contest Winners:
Copper Mountain Lift Ticket -  Levon F. of Denver

Teko Ski Socks – could not reach winner 

Sigg Water Bottle – Kurt K. of Highlands Ranch

The next drawing will include a Breckenridge Lift Ticket, a $25 BeauJo’s gift card, and Teko ski socks.  Not on the GoI70 email list?  Sign up here and automatically be entered to win.

Weekend Travel Forecast:

Snow is expected Saturday through Monday with the heaviest snow falling on Saturday.  Winter driving conditions have a big effect on weekend traffic, so be prepared for potentially longer delays, and for the possibility that traffic might last later into the evening than usual..

Westbound to the Mountains

On this weekend in previous years, Saturday delays (20-60 minutes) started to build early, soon after 6:30 a.m., peaked around 8:00 and didn’t drop of until after 11:00 a.m.   Sunday traffic was much lighter on this weekend in past years.  The peak delays were only 20 minutes, and these delays started at 7:00 and slacked off soon after 8:30 a.m.

Eastbound to Front Range

Previous Saturdays, traffic built around 2:30 p.m., peaked at 5:00 and dropped dramatically after 6:00 p.m.  Previous Sundays, I70 started to fill up earlier at 1:30 p.m., traffic peaked earlier at 4:30 and dropped off soon after 6:00 pm.

REMEMBER, traffic metering means up to 20 minute traffic stops at the tunnel. This can sometimes cause the delays to continue past the 6:00 p.m. timeframe.  Check GoI70.com/mobile before you jump on the road to see if CDOT is metering, and what the traffic is like at that moment.

Enjoy the snow this weekend!

for the latest on traffic delays and closures.

 We asked CDOT to answer some frequently asked questions about traffic metering.   It is an urban legend that it has anything to do with air quality.  It’s all about safety.  Read on…

•  Why does CDOT stop traffic at the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel?

 The primary reason is the safety of the traveling public.  CDOT holds or “meters” traffic at the tunnel when vehicle volumes exceed the capacity of the Interstate 70 corridor.  Accidents, adverse weather or other problems along the corridor also can cause traffic to back up into the tunnel.  When back-ups occur within the tunnel, CDOT stops vehicles from entering the tunnel, allowing traffic queues to clear, before releasing more traffic into the tunnel. 

• How long are the stops when CDOT’s metering traffic?

Stops usually average about 20 minutes because that’s about how long it takes to clear the queue.  However, the stops can be shorter or longer in duration – as traffic and conditions dictate.  Even though traffic is stopped for a period of time, it quickly catches up to the slower moving vehicles ahead.

• Why is it critical to maintain traffic flow through the tunnel?

Inside the tunnel, there are only two lanes, no pull-outs or shoulders, and vehicles are wedged together tightly.  That is why CDOT does not allow traffic to backup in the tunnel to the point where crews would not be able to respond to a medical emergency, accident, fire, or other problem, in a timely manner.

• When does metering usually take place?

Eastbound metering occurs primarily on weekends, usually on Sunday afternoons, when heavy traffic can slow the flow of vehicles to a crawl, creating gridlock conditions.  Heavier than usual traffic can be expected from January to March, due to additional skier traffic, and in July and August, when summer tourist and recreational traffic traditionally is at its peak.  However, tunnel metering can take place on eastbound and/or westbound I-70 at any time due to accidents or for avalanche control work during daylight hours in the winter.

• When CDOT stops traffic at the tunnel, doesn’t it slow down all eastbound traffic? 

It actually doesn’t slow traffic down – it allows it to flow more efficiently.  CDOT traffic engineers have studied the time differential when metering is taking place and, while traffic may initially be stopped for  20 minutes, the actual delay is about 3 ½ minutes.  That’s because eastbound traffic is moving more slowly and the released vehicles eventually catch-up with traffic further east down the corridor.

• Is tunnel metering a new traffic control measure?

No.  Vehicle metering has been taking place at the tunnel for nearly 20 years.

• Are there any other reasons traffic is stopped at the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel?

Yes.  Trucks carrying hazardous materials are not allowed to travel through the tunnel and must use Loveland Pass (U.S. 6).  But during the winter, adverse weather frequently closes the pass, requiring hazmat vehicles to travel through the tunnel.  Due to safety concerns, CDOT does not allow hazmat to travel through the tunnel with other vehicles.  Therefore, usually at the top the hour, CDOT escorts waiting hazmat loads through the tunnel.  These closures last about 15 minutes.

• How can I find out when metering is taking place?

Information is available by calling 511, by checking www.GoI70.com/mobile messages or by checking www.cotrip.org.  CDOT also notifies the traveling public via the electronic message signs that are on I-70, and any available electronic signs on U.S. 6 and State Highway 9 in Summit County.

Now you know that metering is a possibility on Saturday and Sunday (and possibly holiday Monday) afternoons heading eastbound.  All the more reason to stay up in the high country until 6:00 p.m. or later.

Your MLK Weekend Forecast

We could see some fresh powder this weekend!  Light to moderate snow is supposed to start falling on Sunday and continue through the MLK weekend, so keep that in mind as you make your travel plans. 

Westbound to the Mountains:
Last year on this same weekend, the Saturday morning westbound traffic was heavier than a typical Saturday morning. The slowdowns happened at the bottom of Floyd Hill and through Idaho Springs, Empire Jct and Georgetown even though the roads were clear and dry.  An earlier departure from the Front Range will likely pay off, and that goes for Sunday and Monday as well.  Plan to be on the road by 7:00 a.m. to avoid the rush.

Eastbound Back to the Front Range:
On this weekend last year, the Saturday traffic was fairly spread out traffic, but the rest of the weekend followed the usual pattern.   Plan on the typical weekend travel patterns, but with higher volumes due to the holiday.   Remember to get on the highway coming home well before it slows down – usually around 2 pm – or “Leave after 6, be home by 8.” 

This is a great weekend to consider carpooling. Check out SkiCarpool.org to set up or join a carpool, and the Dinosaur Lots at the Hogback in Golden are a great place to meet up.  

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This weekend is expected to bring snow to the I70 corridor Saturday night into Sunday.  The typical weekend traffic pattern will hold, but snow can often make the traffic delay greater and last longer.  CDOT has metered at the tunnel the last few weekends, so don’t be surprised to see that again this weekend.  Metering results in at least 20 minute delays at the tunnel. 

West bound traffic on mornings where weather hasn’t been a factor has been fairly spread out this year with only short delays.

East bound travelers coming home from a day on the slopes will start filing onto the highway at 2:30 with a peak delay between 4:00-4:30, and traffic clearing out soon after 6:00 p.m. 

When you’re on the road keep an eye on our mobile app for the latest road information, and follow GoI70 on Twitter to get the latest info via text.

GoI70 Prizes
Congratulations to the December winners:
            Copper Mountain Lift Ticket – Pat N. of Boulder
            Teko ski socks – Pamela S. of Conifer
            Sigg water bottle – Marti T. of Dillon

The same slate of prizes will be awarded next week so stayed tuned to see if you are a lucky one!  Not part of the GoI70 email list?  Subscribe and be entered to win prizes all season long.   We’ll also tell you about GoI70 site improvements and I70 news of interest.  Don’t worry, we’ll never share your name or address with anyone.

Next week, the inside scoop on metering at the tunnel.  Have a great weekend!

Historically, traffic is spread out over several days during the Thanksgiving week and weekend so the delays aren’t extreme.  Weather could be a definite factor on Wednesday, especially early in the day, but then drier weather is expected from Thanksgiving through the weekend.  Light snow could start up again Sunday night, so factor that into your plans.

It is worth noting that ski areas along the corridor are experiencing record-breaking early season conditions, and that will likely entice more riders up to the high country.  Based on that factor, keep in mind that Saturday and Sunday eastbound delays are most likely between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m.  Take advantage of the lodging, dining and retail deals offered by local corridor businesses at GoI70.com/wp/deals after you get off the slopes, and avoid those peak travel times.  Remember, “Leave after 6:00, home by 8:00!”

If you are still up in the Colorado mountains Monday morning, July 5th, you can expect very heavy traffic on your way back to the Denver metro area. This year’s 4th of July holiday travelers were late to start heading west and, it appears they will be coming home Monday. The usual Sunday eastbound traffic jam never developed this year; indeed the highway ran smoothly all day.

Since plenty of folks made the trip west Friday and Saturday, it is a fair bet that the traffic patterns we predicted for Sunday will appear on Monday afternoon. What goes up, will come down.

Obviously we missed the call about the Sunday eastbound traffic. The Monday official holiday seems to be almost universally honored this year. We weren’t expecting this. Indeed travelers seemed to have take a more laid back approach to their outings this 4th. They started out later on Friday than in any recent year . I-70 was jammed Saturday as well which is something we had not seen in previous data. Still, the fundamentals are simple – lots of folks went west Friday and Saturday and most of them will be heading back Monday.

So if you want to avoid the heavy delays eastbound, your best bet is to leave before 10 or after 7 or perhaps later. Keep an eye on the highway from your phone on the GoI70/mobile site http://goI70.com/mobile. We’ll be carrying up to the minute information about highway conditions, traffic cams and travel times.  Have a safe trip.

Mud season is over! The July 4th weekend is the beginning of summer along I-70. The snow is quickly melting off the mountain peaks. The season of music and sports in the high country is just around the corner. CDOT has been busy getting I-70 ready for the parade of hikers, picnickers, festival goers and sightseers.

You are not the only one excited about the beginning of summer. If you are traveling west mid-day Friday or east Sunday you will have plenty of company.  While every year is somewhat different, we think you can expect very heavy traffic – and very slow travel times – during the peak hours in 2010. The 4th of July is the beginning of a very predictable pattern of peak traffic on I-70: slow westbound on Friday and slower yet eastbound Sunday.

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The AAA is predicting that this year will see a 20% increase in the number of travelers heading to the Colorado mountains. Last year was a heavy year for travel through the Eisenhower tunnel over the 4th of July holiday; a 20% increase would put an unprecedented number of people on the road.

The rush to the mountains will begin by mid-morning Friday, July 2nd. Based on recent experience, the trip from Denver to Vail will slow to an average speed of 45 mph by 11 am and drop to almost 30 mph by noon. In practice that means, a whole lot of jarring stop and go driving.

Get out of town well before 10 am if you want to get across the Continental divide at highway speeds. The westbound crunch should begin to let up by late afternoon with speeds returning to normal by 6 pm.

The return trip to the Denver metro area on Sunday will try the patience of even the Saints among you. Once again travel times will slow rapidly between 10 am and noon. By noon the 1 hour 20 minute trip from Vail to Denver will take twice as long. In 2008, delays of 2 hours lasted from 1 pm until 4 pm. Historically, traffic does not fully returned to highway speeds until 7 or 8 pm.

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If you must travel at the peak hours, be prepared for long queues from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower Tunnel, a crawl through Empire Junction and herky-jerky, stop and go through Idaho Springs.

Be prepared and be patient! If you are tired or hungry you won’t miss much by stopping to visit. By the time you have rested and eaten the highway will be moving just a little faster.

Better yet, get out early or stay late.