Mountain Highways Will Be Crowded This Weekend: CDOT

From CDOT: The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminds motorists to plan ahead for travel on the I-70 corridor this weekend. Westbound traffic volumes are already running high and predicted to remain that way through the New Year. Motorists can also expect slower travel times in the afternoon peak when ski traffic makes its way back to the front range.

“Historically we see heavier traffic volumes this weekend as people continue to travel to the mountains during the holiday break,” CDOT’s I-70 Mountain Corridor Manager Patrick Chavez said.

CDOT maintenance crews are currently making permanent repairs on a hole that formed in the bridge deck on westbound I-70 at mile marker 244, at the bottom of Floyd Hill.

These repairs currently require a single lane closure, which is causing 45 minute to one hour delays on westbound I-70, comparable to what we see for ski traffic. Motorists can take US 6 or US 40 as an alternate to avoid this area of I-70, but should be warned that delays are about 45 minutes in these areas. Repairs are expected to last between six to eight hours. It is highly unlikely repairs will last into the morning.

Potholes and holes in bridge decks often form during periods of ice and snow. Concrete can become over-saturated with water, which means that 91% of concrete's pores are filled with water and if the water freezes, it can occupy 9% of the concrete's volume. If there is no space for the volume expansion, freezing can cause distress in the concrete. This distress, once the ice begins to thaw, is what results in potholes. This is known as the "freeze/thaw effect" and is an issue throughout the country and when paired with plowing and high volumes of traffic can make the issue happen even more. There have been reports of potholes in this area several times, and CDOT is obligated to fix it as soon as it is reported or crews spot it. Unfortunately, pothole patches do not mean that a pothole will not form in the same spot again. We hope to completely rehab this bridge next summer. In the meantime, once the repairs are made today, the road will be safe to travel on.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

CDOT has broad authority to close any portion of a state highway to traffic due to a natural disaster, weather conditions, or any other emergency circumstances resulting in making road conditions unsafe for travel by motor vehicles. That authority includes closing a road to traffic if adequate tire chains or snow tires are determined to be necessary.

AVOID A FINE! Motorists should be aware the Traction Law (Code 15) and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16) could be implemented if conditions require it. When either law is in effect, highway signage will be activated.
· Traction Law — Motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel drive vehicle — all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
· Passenger Vehicle Chain Law — Every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).
Without proper equipment, you can be fined $130. If your vehicle blocks the roadway, you could be fined more than $650.

SNOW PLOW TRACKER: The public can view snow plow locations on any device by clicking http://cotrip.org/snowplow.htm#/snowplow (also see upper right hand corner ofcotrip.org menu). Using this information, motorists will be able to see plows’ current locations, their travel speed and direction they are traveling. Plows that have not moved for more than 16 minutes will not be visible.

DRIVING TIPS: CDOT reminds motorists to allow for extra travel time and to always be prepared when traveling during winter weather events. Winter driving tips can be found online at http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving.

Motorists can call 511 anywhere in Colorado for periodic updated road conditions, visit www.COTRIP.org or sign up for GovDelivery alerts that offer important travel information. Also, GoI70.com – hosted by the I-70 Coalition – provides weekly I-70 travel forecasts based on historical data and how weather, construction or events may impact the mountain commute. Finally, CDOT provides travel information and frequent updates through Twitter and periodically on Facebook.

Image Via Shuttershock