The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is advising drivers to prepare for increased traffic as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. CDOT expects higher travel volumes on state roads, particularly as people head out for Thanksgiving weekend and holiday shopping. The agency also notes that weather conditions in Colorado can change quickly, especially at higher elevations, and urges motorists to be ready for potential winter weather during their return trips.
To help reduce congestion, CDOT will suspend daily lane closures on state construction and maintenance projects by midday Wednesday, Nov. 26. Emergency operations are the only exception. Construction work will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.
Travelers using the I-70 Mountain Corridor should expect more vehicles starting Wednesday morning around 8 a.m., with peak travel periods from Friday through Sunday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
For those seeking alternatives to driving in heavy traffic, CDOT highlights its Bustang, Snowstang, and Pegasus services. These options provide direct connections between major Front Range cities, mountain resorts, and key destinations along the I-70 corridor. According to CDOT: “These services provide direct connections to major Front Range cities, mountain resorts and key destinations along the I-70 Mountain Corridor, helping reduce delays, improve safety and ease parking pressures at popular holiday spots.” More information is available at ridebustang.com.
Traffic data from the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels during Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 shows lower vehicle numbers compared to other fall and winter holidays:
– Wednesday, Nov. 27: 31,053 vehicles
– Thursday, Nov. 28: 31,182 vehicles
– Friday, Nov. 29: 40,555 vehicles
– Saturday, Nov. 30: 44,269 vehicles
– Sunday, Dec. 1: 43,159 vehicles
The total number of vehicles over these five days was just over 190,000.
CDOT has also introduced a new online hub focused on the I-70 Mountain Corridor ahead of the winter ski season. This resource combines features from COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner app into one platform where travelers can find shuttle options, real-time road conditions, live cameras along the corridor, safety tips and laws.
“Remember: the road is different here, and your travel plans should be too,” CDOT stated in its announcement.
The department reminds all motorists that traveling in Colorado’s mountains requires extra preparation due to changing conditions.
