Traveling on I-70 this weekend might not be a smooth ride for many drivers, as adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic volumes are expected to cause delays and complications. Here are some of the main issues that travelers should be aware of before hitting the road.

Snow and Ice Make Driving Difficult

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), snow and ice are affecting the road conditions along the I-70 mountain corridor, especially in the Glenwood Canyon region. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, increase following distance, and use winter tires or chains if necessary. CDOT also warns of possible avalanche mitigation work that could close some sections of the highway temporarily.

Snow is also forecasted for the Vail Valley and other parts of the mountains on Friday night and Sunday afternoon, which could further impact travel times and safety. Drivers should check the weather and road conditions before they travel, and be prepared for changing situations.

Super Bowl and Holiday Weekend Increase Traffic Volumes

This weekend is not only a winter wonderland, but also a popular time for people to visit the ski resorts and enjoy the Super Bowl. CDOT expects high traffic volumes on both eastbound and westbound directions of I-70, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Travelers should plan to avoid peak travel times and expect delays of up to an hour or more.

CDOT offers some tips and resources for travelers to make their trip easier and more enjoyable, such as:

• Checking the weekend and holiday travel forecast on goi70.com
• Signing up for project or travel alerts on bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Downloading the COtrip Planner app on bit.ly/COtripapp
• Taking advantage of the Peak Time Deals offered by local businesses on goi70.com/deals
• Spending a Sunday night in the mountains and heading to work or school early Monday morning
• Creating or joining a carpool with the TreadShare App
• Considering taking a bus, train, van, or Snowstang to the mountains and leaving the driving to someone else

Snowstang Offers 50% Off Bus Service This Weekend

One of the alternatives to driving on I-70 this weekend is taking the Snowstang bus service, which connects Denver and several ski resorts, such as Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Loveland, and Steamboat Springs. This weekend, CDOT is offering 50% off Snowstang tickets, which can be purchased online using the code 3DAY24.

Snowstang buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, USB outlets, restrooms, bike racks, and ski and snowboard storage. They also have experienced drivers who can handle the winter driving conditions. Snowstang buses operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays, and depart from Denver Union Station and the Denver Federal Center. The schedules and fares vary depending on the destination, and can be found on ridebustang.com/snowstang.

Snowstang is part of the Bustang network, which provides intercity bus service across Colorado. Bustang also offers service to and from Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, and more.

Travel Smart and Safe This Weekend

I-70 is a vital highway that connects the Front Range and the mountain communities, as well as a popular route for recreation and tourism. However, it also poses many challenges for travelers, especially during the winter season and busy weekends. Drivers should be aware of the potential risks and delays, and plan their trips accordingly. By following the tips and resources provided by CDOT and other agencies, travelers can make their trips more enjoyable and less stressful.