Avoiding traffic backups on Labor Day weekend in Colorado’s high country

GEORGETOWN, Colo. ( KDVR ) — Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of new road rules in Colorado as traffic increases.

The Colorado State Patrol announced that as of Sept. 1, commercial motor vehicles have a mandatory requirement to carry chains. That means any vehicle weighing over 16,000 pounds must carry chains or another approved traction device on Colorado’s mountain corridors. This is an expansion of the Interstate 70 “must carry” law, requiring commercial drivers to have their traction devices between Sept. 1 and May 31 each year .

Additionally, drivers traveling along the I-70 corridor can expect high traffic volume . More than 186,000 people traveled through the Eisenhower Tunnel during the 2023 Labor Day weekend.

FOX31 spoke to visitors from across the nation stopping in Georgetown to refuel and take a break.

“The views are incredible,” said one tourist from Ohio.

The Colorado State Patrol is urging travelers to drive responsibly. Last year, troopers investigated 405 wildlife-involved crashes.

CSP also investigated 53 crashes on the Western Slope that involved serious injuries or death between Memorial Day and Labor Day — many due to distracted driving. The most common driving distractions include looking at cell phones, dashboard navigation and fumbling with food.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said traffic on I-70 tends to peak eastbound on Labor Day from mid-morning to late afternoon, especially between Eagle and Summit counties and Denver.

CDOT projects are suspended to reduce delays, but travelers should still plan to be flexible to have a truly great experience in the high country.

“We leave early, like 8 o’clock in the morning; you have to have an early night’s sleep,” said one tourist.

CDOT projects will resume a regular schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.