GoI70

Posts Tagged ‘traffic’

On this weekend on previous years, there were no significant delays westbound on Friday evening, or eastbound on Saturday afternoon/evening. You can expect heavy traffic eastbound on Sunday afternoon and evening. The historic pattern has been that congestion begins as early as 11:30 and peaks around 4:00 p.m. With folks trying to enjoy every bit of daylight in the mountains, the traffic did not diminish until approximately 8:00 p.m. Plan to stay in the high country for a later dinner and enjoy more open road on the way home!

Silverthorne/Dillon Interchange Improvements Proposed
Citizens are invited to a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) public meeting next week where alternatives to improve the Interstate 70 Silverthorne/Dillon Interchange (Exit 205) will be presented.

The open house is on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Silverthorne Pavilion, 400 Blue River Parkway. Persons with special access or translation needs should contact Megan Alderton at 303-478-8316 up to 72 hours prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

CDOT is studying how best to address the interchange’s future mobility, access and safety issues. Three potential alternatives are being considered for improving the interchange, along with design options for the ramps. Attendees are encouraged to discuss the feasibility of each alternative and suggest possible modifications.

Do you want timely info on traffic conditions, and to know how long the current delays are, broken out by segements of I70 via text?   

Do you Twitter?
If you do and you will be on the I70 corridor this weekend, please be a part of the GoI70 community by contributing information.  We are struggling with some technical difficulties and could use your help this weekend more than ever.  To share your current I70 observations simply go to GoI70.com/mobile and click Messages.  Use your Twitter login information and then type in your traffic observations – quick and easy.  Remember to reference if you are traveling EB or WB and your general location.  Your fellow GoI70 travelers will thank you!!

Forecast
The Saturday eastbound traffic on this weekend in past years did not show much in the way of congestion.  Sundays do show significant delays beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running until almost 7:00 p.m.  Traffic on those Sundays peaked at about 3:30 the last two years.   With the July 4^th holiday falling on a Monday, this might spread out the typical Sunday eastbound volume over two days.   Travelers should expect Sunday congestion patterns on Monday, so avoid the 3:00-6:00 timeframe if heading back to the Front Range.

Happy 4^th of July!

Summer is in full swing, which means lots of folks are heading up I70 in search of trails, rivers, wildflowers and music festivals.  Looking at the historical data, traffic is well-distributed westbound on weekend mornings.  The late June eastbound Saturday traffic is not as significant as Sunday, and tends to peak in the early evening.   Eastbound travel on Sundays in late June typically follows the winter formula – building around 1:00, peaking at 4:00 and dropping off soon after 6:00 p.m.   In the summer, weather plays a larger factor in traveler behavior.  If rain showers move in early in the day, expect the masses to head to the Front Range early as well.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is advising drivers to be prepared for approximately 1300 bicyclists on Interstate 70, east of the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT), on Saturday, June 25.

An eastbound paving operation on Vail Pass (MP 180 and 190) is causing eastbound congestion in late afternoons, Mon-Thur.  The project will be completed in July.

Summer Deals
The GoI70 Deals section has been updated and expanded for summer.  Corridor businesses have created specials with you, the I70 traveler, in mind.  Check out the offerings!

We Need More Eyes
If you use Twitter and travel the I70 corridor, we want to hear from you.  The very unique thing about GoI70.com is that it is a TWO WAY communication tool.  See traffic building due to volume or an accident, or any other newsworthy event?  Help out your fellow travelers and post that information to GoI70.com/mobile under Messages.  Just use your Twitter login information – quick and easy.

Have fun out there this weekend!

 Be among the first to check out this new service!   GoI70 users are eligible for a SkiBusColorado Kick-Off Deal – a 2 for 1 discount on a bus-only ticket to Breckenridge or Keystone on March 5 and March 12.   Enter code “2FOR1″ at SkiBusColorado.com to receive the discount!  All the details on this ski bus service are available there.  Leave the driving to someone else, reduce your carbon footprint, help reduce I70 congestion, and ride in comfort to the slopes!

Colorado’s Transportation Plan
A request from our friends at CDOT — Help guide transportation improvements in Colorado by commenting on the Statewide Plan Amendment

Weekend Travel Forecast:
Only very light snow is forecasted for Sunday and into Sunday night so hopefully weather won’t be a big travel factor.

Westbound to the Mountains
Saturday: Expect an average 25 minute delay at the peak travel time between 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. Plan to leave before 6:00 am or after 10:00 a.m. to miss the rush.

Sunday: Delays on this Sunday in recent years was minimal at about 10 minutes.

Eastbound to Front Range
Saturday: This is where we sound like a broken record… Historically, this day in previous years has yielded a very typical weekend traffic pattern. Traffic builds at 2:00, peaks at 4:00 and drops off very soon after 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: We are starting to see a more consistent trend on Sunday afternoons where the rush back to the Front Range starts much earlier than it does on Saturdays. The masses start hitting the road around noon, there is a long peak from about 3:00-5:00, and then traffic steadily decreases to a zero minute delay soon after 6:00 p.m.

REMEMBER, CDOT has frequently metered traffic eastbound 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. To receive timely info on the traffic delays and road closures,

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

Weekend Travel Forecast:

The third weekend in February the three previous years was President’s Weekend.  So, last weekend’s traffic data is probably our best comparison for this weekend. The weather last weekend was quite snowy, making for heavier delays.  Expecting much drier weather this weekend, the delays shouldn’t be as significant.  Here is what history has shown us for mid-February weekend traffic:

Westbound to the Mountains
On this Saturday in previous years, traffic delays started at 6:30 a.m. and peaked around 9:00 a.m. with 30 minute delays.  There were delays of under 10 minutes by 10:30 a.m.    The Sunday historic data shows delays of only 20 minutes between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m.

Eastbound to Front Range
The previous years’ Saturday patterns show a build-up at Noon, a peak at 5:00 and diminishing traffic at 6:00 p.m.  Historic data on this Sunday in previous years shows an earlier peak travel time.  Traffic started to build closer to 1:00, peaked between 3:00 and 4:00, and dropped off right around 6:00 p.m.

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.

Whether you get your own group together, or organize it through SkiCarpool.org, many ski areas along I70 will reward you for carpooling.  Arapahoe Basin will discount your lift ticket, Copper sets you up with discounted food and tunes, Breckenridge will reduce your parking fee, and Keystone offers closer-in parking.  Check out all the carpool parking details here.    Remember to share your carpool story with GoI70.com via info@i70solutions.org and be entered to win lift tickets!

Congratulations Prize Winners:
Breckenridge Lift Ticket -  Dana M. of Florida
$25 BeauJo’s gift card – Laura S. of Denver
Teko Ski Socks – waiting for winner response

The next random drawing will include a Copper Mountain Lift Ticket, a $25 Tommyknockers Brewery gift card, and a GoI70 Sigg water bottle.  Not on the GoI70 email list?  Sign up here and automatically be entered to win.

Weekend Travel Forecast:
It is expected to be a snowy weekend with the heaviest snow falling Saturday afternoon and evening.  Lighter, on-and-off snow is forecasted for Sunday into Tuesday.  Keep in mind that snow can mess things up pretty quick so allow some extra time!

Westbound to the Mountains
On this Saturday in previous years, traffic delays started at 6:30 a.m. and peaked around 9:00 a.m. with 20 minute delays.  There were only nominal delays by 10:30 a.m.    The Sunday historic data shows delays of only 10 minutes between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m.

Eastbound to Front Range
The previous years’ Saturday patterns show a build-up at Noon, a peak at 5:00 and diminishing traffic at 6:00 p.m.  Historic data on this Sunday in previous years shows an earlier peak travel time.  Traffic started to build closer to 1:00, peaked between 3:00 and 4:00, and dropped off just before 6:00 p.m.

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.

To receive timely info on the traffic delays and road closures,

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.

 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.  

 Sign up for our email list to stay on top of the latest GoI70 news and features.

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!