The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is cautioning motorists to anticipate significant traffic delays this weekend on Interstate 70 and US 285, primarily attributed to the popular seasonal activity of leaf-peeping. This advisory is based on previous data indicating heavy congestion during peak periods last year, with traffic metering observed at the Eisenhower Tunnel and notable backups on Guanella Pass.
Compounding the anticipated traffic snarls was a temporary closure of westbound I-70 near Dotsero. The closure occurred following an incident involving an Amazon semi-truck colliding with the center median and overturning on Friday evening. Fortunately, the accident site has now been cleared.
In the vicinity of Denver, Clear County Sheriff deputies took measures on Saturday afternoon to prevent traffic from clogging Georgetown due to the influx of leaf-peeping vehicles. Entry was restricted to residents only, requiring proof of residency, although this restriction has now been lifted.
CDOT offers several recommendations for travelers to mitigate travel disruptions:
– Anticipate heavy westbound traffic late morning through early afternoon, and eastbound traffic from late morning into the evening.
– To avoid the heaviest congestion, plan to depart either early or later in the day.
– Exercise caution when considering alternate routes, as roads like Guanella Pass are not equipped to handle traffic volumes typical of interstate highways.
– Patience is essential, and extra travel time should be expected due to inevitable delays.
– Keep informed about travel conditions by checking COtrip.org or using the COtrip Planner app.
– Visit GoI70.com for traffic forecasts specific to this weekend.
Additionally, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office is alerting leaf-peepers to park only in designated areas on Guanella Pass. A number of vehicles parked illegally on the narrow Guanella Pass Road have already been towed, as such parking can obstruct emergency vehicle access.
As Colorado’s fall foliage season attracts numerous visitors, CDOT is providing safety tips for those engaging in leaf-peeping activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.