Motorists encouraged to delay travel from Denver to the high country on Thursday afternoon, July 3

News Release

Denver - Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid travel from Denver to the high country via Interstate 70 and US Highway 285 until this evening, Thursday, July 3. Motorists will be turned around for the next several hours if traveling on westbound I-70 at Beaver Brook. Currently, motorists are unable to travel on US 40 as a detour. Those traveling from US 6 from Golden will also be turned around once they reach I-70 at this time. Vehicles and people stopped at closure points or in heavy traffic congestion will face especially high temperatures on the road surface.

The I-70 Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels closed shortly after 1 p.m. today, July 3. Westbound I-70 at the tunnel is closed due to a significant vehicle fire that took place outside the tunnel on westbound I-70. Eastbound reopened at 2:55 p.m. Traffic is being turned around on westbound I-70 at Beaver Brook. Motorists are strongly encouraged to hold off on traveling west on I-70 or south on US 285 from Denver at this time. All other routes such as US 40 and US 6 will be congested. The westbound I-70 closure will be in place for the next several hours.

The most up-to-date updates can be found at COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!