State transportation officials are advising drivers to prepare for significant traffic on Colorado’s mountain highways this weekend as many people travel to view fall foliage. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) expects both eastbound and westbound lanes along the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor to be especially busy. US Highway 285, particularly between South Park and Denver near Kenosha Pass, is also expected to see heavy congestion.
According to CDOT, last year’s data from the same weekend showed some of the highest traffic volumes during the fall season. At the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels, CDOT implemented metering for over 11 hours—from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.—to maintain safety. During peak times at noon, nearly 3,000 vehicles per hour passed through the tunnels. The return trip for travelers heading eastbound extended late into the night.
Westbound travelers also faced unusual delays last year, with significant slowdowns occurring between Evergreen and Georgetown from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., mainly due to an increase in day-trippers seeking views of changing leaves in high-elevation areas.
In addition, Guanella Pass between Georgetown and Grant experienced long backups as queues stretched through Georgetown and onto the interstate.
Last weekend’s traffic patterns indicated similar trends. On Friday evening, speeds at Floyd Hill dropped into single digits from noon until 7 p.m., with peak volume at 6 p.m. Saturday saw its busiest period between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., while Sunday traffic was slow throughout most of the day with a peak around 11 a.m.
“CDOT had to meter traffic for 11 and a half hours, from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., to keep vehicles moving safely,” according to information provided by CDOT.
Travelers are encouraged by CDOT officials to plan ahead if they intend to visit popular leaf-peeping destinations this weekend.
