CDOT to Test Safety Metering at Mile Marker 207 on I-70 this Week - Update

February 10, 2015 - Traffic Advisory Update - Central/Eastern Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - Short delays expected.

SUMMIT COUNTY/I-70 MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR-Motorist traveling eastbound on I-70 this week at mile marker 207 could expect some short, possibly 5-10 minute, delays as Continuous-Flow Safety Metering is being tested at its new location along the corridor.  Wednesday, February 11 is the day that is being targeted for testing. Testing has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 12 due to weather conditions in the area today and tomorrow complicating construction completion on the signal.

Continuous-Flow Safety Metering currently occurs on the approach to the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT). This year, CDOT has moved the Continuous-Flow Safety Metering closer to Silverthorne, allowing vehicles to stop on a flatter surface, rather than the steep hill leading up to the tunnel.  

The metering at EJMT alternates red and green stoplight cycles every four to eight seconds to keep traffic moving consistently through the tunnel, while traffic on the tunnel’s east side slowly dissipates. The metering at mile marker 207 will operate likewise although during a weather event or accident it may be used in red mode to hold traffic.

Safety metering is triggered by high traffic, accidents or adverse weather and is utilized in an effort to keep traffic moving at an efficient pace as well as allowing for snow plows to clear the roadway surface ahead of traffic.

CDOT encourages motorists to consult the department’s traveler information tools for real-time updates:  

  • Call 511 anywhere in Colorado for periodically updated road conditions;

  • Visit www.cotrip.org and CDOT Mobile;

  • Sign up for GovDelivery alerts;

  • Go to GoI70.com – hosted by the I-70 Coalition – to see weekly I-70 travel forecasts based on historical data and how weather, construction or events may impact the mountain commute;

  • Follow CDOT on Twitter and Facebook (though the latter will not provide the most up-to-date news and conditions).