Expect heavy traffic heading toward the mountains this three-day holiday weekend, Colorado Department of Transportation is warning commuters.
Both Interstate 70 and Interstate 25 are expected to see heavy traffic.
Westbound traffic on I-70 is expected to be heavier than normal today and Saturday, and eastbound I-70 traffic is expected to be heavier than normal Sunday and Monday.
Last year 156,619 vehicles passed through the Eisenhower tunnel over Presidents Day weekend.
CDOT told the Associated Press it may have to hold traffic at the tunnel for up to 20 minutes at a time to clear congestion if the tunnel backs up. The tunnel has no shoulders, and CDOT has to keep traffic moving there so crews can respond in case of emergencies.
Stacey Stegman, a spokeswoman for CDOT, said the agency will not be using the experimental pacing system this weekend.
“We are trying to figure out what the traffic volumes will be this year compared to last year,” Stegman said.
As CDOT learns and gathers data from the new pacing system, they are establishing benchmarks for when the pacing system can be effective and when it’s just not worth it, she said.
“For instance, this year we are finding traffic is picking up earlier in the day,” Stegman said.
Traffic patterns this weekend are also expected to compare to weekend traffic of March last year, she said.
What that means for the pacing system is still not completely clear, but for commuters, CDOT’s message is to be patient and plan for a longer drive.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
