Weekend Congestion Requiring Stops at Eisenhower Tunnel

CLEAR CREEK/SUMMIT COUNTIES - Heavy traffic has required occasional stops of eastbound Interstate 70 traffic at the Eisenhower Tunnel over the last few weekends.  The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers that more stops should be anticipated as skier traffic increases this winter, primarily during afternoon hours.

CDOT stops or "meters" traffic at the tunnel's west portal when vehicle volumes exceed the capacity of the corridor or when an accident or inclement weather causes traffic to back up.   Restricting vehicles from entering the tunnel allows the existing back-ups, inside and east of the tunnel, to clear.  Traffic stops usually last about 15 to 20 minutes.

 "When half the tunnel, about one mile, is at a dead stop inside, we stop all vehicles to let the queue clear," says Eisenhower Tunnel Superintendent Mike Salamon.  "The decision to meter traffic is entirely from a safety perspective.  Inside the tunnel, there're only two lanes, no pull-outs or shoulders, and vehicles are wedged together tightly, so we don't let traffic backup to the point where we can't respond to a medical emergency, accident, fire or other problem, in or out of the tunnel."

Stopped traffic is immediately allowed to proceed when the tunnel is clear, allowing CDOT to better control traffic flows, as necessary.  

"What you get with too many vehicles is gridlock and then not one vehicle can move," says Salamon.  "The stops allow us to keep traffic moving more efficiently.  And because traffic's moving slowly, it doesn't actually affect travel times because the stopped vehicles eventually catch-up with the traffic further down the corridor."

Vehicle metering has been taking place at the tunnel for many years, primarily during the heavier winter and summer travel periods.

Traffic flow also can be affected by accidents and adverse weather conditions, several miles east of the tunnel.  In addition, when Loveland Pass is closed during the winter, eastbound and westbound traffic is stopped hourly to allow hazardous materials trucks to travel through the tunnel.

"It's not always apparent to drivers what's causing the stops but let me assure everyone that ultimately, safety is the reason we're stopping traffic," added Salamon. 

Drivers can find out when metering operations are taking place by calling 511 or by checking www.cotrip.org .  CDOT also will notify the traveling public via the electronic message signs that are on I-70, and any available electronic signs on U.S. 6 and State Highway 9 in Summit County.