Expect extra traffic on these Colorado roads over Labor Day weekend

DENVER (KDVR) — Even though fewer people will be commuting for work over the Labor Day holiday, the Colorado Department of Transportation is expecting more traffic than usual in some areas.

CDOT is temporarily pausing construction work to help reduce possible traffic delays, according to a press release. Construction projects will be suspended starting at noon Friday through Tuesday, Sept. 3, with the exception of emergency operations.

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The department said over the holiday weekend, drivers should anticipate heavier than usual traffic along the front range and on Interstate 70 west of Denver.

Specifically, CDOT said traffic on I-70 will peak Friday from mid-morning until early evening, and Saturday from early morning to mid-afternoon. Eastbound I-70, especially between Eagle and Summit counties into Denver, will have the heaviest traffic on Labor Day from mid-morning to late afternoon.

Here’s how many vehicles went through the Eisenhower and Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70 over Labor Day weekend last year:

CDOT said safety patrol vehicles will be ready to help motorists in need and keep traffic flowing along major highways near Denver and Interstate 25 from Denver north to Fort Collins and south to Colorado Springs.

The peak patrol times are 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., off-peak patrol times are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and weekend patrol is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the release.

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With heavier traffic, the department is reminding drivers to drive safely.

“Motorists are urged to drive with caution through construction zones, heed the signs, slow down and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle ahead.  Speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes statewide,” CDOT said in the release.

This weekend is also the last chance for people to drive up Colorado Highway 5 to the top of Mount Blue Sky until 2026 as the road will be closed for construction.

CDOT added that Coloradans can use RTD’s and CDOT’s transit system with Bustang, Bustang Outrider, and Pegasus as an alternate mode of transportation

Before hitting the roads this holiday weekend, be sure to stay updated on the weather forecast. Drivers can also see road conditions, closures, traffic levels and more on the COtrip and GO I-70 websites.

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