Colorado transportation officials highlight holiday road safety after Christmas period saw 124 crashes statewide last year

Traffic on Colorado mountain roads, including the Interstate 70 corridor, is picking up ahead of the Christmas holiday.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said in a news release that it will be suspending construction projects statewide by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Wednesday, Dec. 31, to ease holiday travel. On the I-70 corridor, there will be no lane closures for the Floyd Hill Project through Monday, Jan. 5.

“Wherever your travels take you, plan to drive sober, take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to arrive safely,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in a statement. “We ask every driver to respect the road and each other so we can all enjoy the holiday season.”

Holiday travel is expected to break records in the U.S. this year, with drivers expected to take to the road just before and after Christmas Day, according to AAA. Unlike last Christmas, though, Colorado is not a top 10 destination for car rental demand.

Last year, traffic on the I-70 mountain corridor peaked from the day after Christmas through the end of the holiday weekend, with more than 43,000 vehicles passing through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels each day Thursday through Sunday, according to CDOT. Traffic is expected to peak Friday through Sunday this year.

The I-70 mountain express lanes will be open westbound through Sunday, Jan 4, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and eastbound through Monday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the news release states. CDOT’s Snowstang and Bustang services also offer additional options for travelers who don’t want to battle traffic to get to the mountains.

With the increased traffic, the Colorado State Patrol is reminding drivers that being cited for speeding or being arrested for driving under the influence can put a damper on the holidays — and make the roads less safe.

Around the holidays last year, speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, lane violations and failure to yield at right of ways were the top five causes of serious crashes that resulted in injuries or deaths, according to the State Patrol. During the 48 hour period from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day last year, troopers reportedly responded to 124 crashes across Colorado.

Much of Colorado is expected to see small amounts of snow that could slick up roads between about Thursday and Sunday, according to forecasters.

“Getting in a crash is likely the last thing people are thinking about after all the planning and excitement for the season,” State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard said in a statement. “But if you are in the driver’s seat, keep your focus on the road. The biggest gift you can give is ensuring everyone you see on the road and in your vehicle arrives safely to celebrate.”