Heavy traffic likely on Colorado roads over July 4 weekend

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To help with traffic delays, all non-emergency construction and maintenance projects will stop from midday Wednesday to Monday.

DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers to prepare for traffic delays over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Areas that may experience additional traffic and longer drive times are mountain highways, including Interstate 70, and roads leading to the state’s recreational areas, according to CDOT.

CDOT said that last year, on weekend before Independence Day (June 30-July 2), the Eisenhower Tunnel saw 50,747 vehicles on Friday, 51,913 on Saturday and 50,001 on Sunday.

To help with potential traffic delays, CDOT is suspending all construction and maintenance projects except for emergency operations from midday Wednesday to Monday.

CDOT encouraged drivers to check the status of Colorado’s roadways before hitting the road. Traffic information is available at www.cotrip.org, CDOT’s social media pages, or by calling 511.

If travelers want alternatives to driving their own vehicles, Bustang, Pegasus and Bustang Outrider are providing services to many mountain areas, cities and towns throughout the state.

Tips for summer driving

Stay alert. Plan enough time to stop along the way to stretch, get something to eat and drink, return any calls or text messages and change drivers if you’re feeling tired or drowsy.
Avoid distracted driving. The focus always should be on driving. Avoid using cellphones, texting, eating and using in-vehicle technologies.
Don’t drive impaired. There will be increased DUI enforcement from Wednesday through Monday.
Watch for pedestrians and bikes. Warm temperatures mean more people are outside walking or bicycling. Slow down and pay extra attention at crosswalks and along roadways.
Share the road with motorcycles. Motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots due to their speed and size. Always take a second look with more motorcycles out on the road.
Obey all posted speed limits, or drive slower, if necessary, based on weather or traffic conditions.
Maintain proper tire air pressure. Warmer temperatures can cause tires to be overinflated.
Turn your lights on, especially during twilight hours, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
Large vehicles tend to drive slower speeds. Be prepared to slow down, stay out of their blind spots, pay close attention to turn signals and give them extra space to maneuver.