AAA predicts the second busiest travel year in US history for the 2023 winter holiday season, with a historic number of people flying.
The organization estimates that a record 7.5 million people in the United States will fly this year. The agency estimated at the national level 115.2 million people travel during this time in general. A transportation analysis showed double travel times outside major metropolitan areas, including Denver.
For Colorado, travel from Fort Collins to Denver will be specifically affected.
“The worst traffic will be the Friday after Christmas and that will be on the stretch of I-25 southbound from Fort Collins to Denver with travel times more than 67% above normal,” said the spokesman AAA Colorado Skyler McKinley.
The I-70 Coalition traffic forecast according to mountain corridor reports, traffic will begin to resume on the mountain on Friday with westbound congestion from 9-11 am and again from 2-7:30 pm
Heavy traffic takes over Saturday westbound between 6 am to 12 pm with peak traffic at 8 am.
“If people can leave early in the morning … or wait and travel in the afternoon, that’s going to be their best bet,” said Margaret Bowes, director of the I-70 Coalition.
Bowes said the typical weekend ski traffic Saturday eastbound will build at 1:30 pm and could last until 6 pm.
The I-70 Coalition reports that rain on the east side of the Continental Divide will turn to snow at higher elevations throughout Summit County and the Vail Valley. The organization said travelers should check their tires and plan for slower speeds on Saturday.
Snowy winter road conditions are expected to persist throughout the mountain corridor on Sunday. Typical eastbound ski traffic congestion is expected from 1-6 pm
Bowes said the party will lead to smoother travel all week.
“Christmas Day is actually one of the lowest travel days. … Whether you’re going uphill or downhill for your Christmas plans, you’re most likely going to have a smooth ride,” Bowes said.
Traffic ramps are back on Tuesday with heavy westbound congestion from 6am to 12pm and again from 2-7pm Eastbound delays are expected between 1-6:30pm
Bowes said it’s not the volume on the roads that causes I-70 to go into a tailspin. Accidents due to weather impacts and motorists who are not careful are the main drivers of traffic.
“We really encourage people on Saturday and Sunday, in particular, to give people plenty of room and, of course, check your tires to make sure they’re compliant with the traction law,” Bowes said.
Bowes said, when it comes down to it, it’s having good tires that can make or break a ride.
“Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive — yeah, that’s great, but it doesn’t do much if you don’t have good tires,” Bowes said. “Tea Colorado Traction the law exists for a reason.”
Colorado’s traction law requires all motorists traveling I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 to May 31 to have a certain depth of tread on their tires.
Bowes pointed to several resources travelers can access this holiday season to plan a stress-free trip. Their organization publishes traffic forecasts in addition to giving daily snow updates.
She also recommends checking real-time information sources such as the The COTrip.org website and the scheduling app. Travelers can receive phone notifications with real-time information by subscribing to the Colorado Department of Transportation text and email alerts. All resources can be found in Spanish and English.
Bowes noted that his organization also has “all the resources around how to get to the mountain without your personal vehicle.”
She explained that the organization partners with a carpool app called TreadShare.
“Many cities and resorts actually reward people who carpool to their destinations,” Bowes said. “GoI70.com It also lists some great carpool incentive programs like discounted parking or nearby parking for those who carpool.
Mckinley noted that AAA has seen a year where travel is on the rise.
“We’re dealing with record inflation in consumer goods. Everything seems to cost more,” McKinley said. “Yet travel, which is the ultimate entertainment expense, that ultimate discretionary expense has increased.”
He said he sees that as good news for a travel sector that has been hurt by the pandemic.
“I think it might still give some hope for the future economy that maybe we’ll get out of high inflation without high unemployment,” McKinley said. “So all eyes are on travel as a leading indicator of overall economic health.”
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