A three-fold strategy for improving traffic along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor this winter paid off in fewer injuries and deaths and shorter delays, Colorado Department of Transportation officials say.
From Frisco to C-470, there was a 35 percent drop in injury and fatal crashes and a 46 percent dip in weather-related crashes, according to CDOT data.
Unplanned closures were also reduced by 16 percent, while the number of hours of delay longer than 75 minutes on eastbound I-70 was cut by 26 percent.
“We were pleased that the strategies we have and continue to implement are making a difference in the I-70 experience for all travelers,” said Ryan Rice, CDOT’s director of transportation systems management and operations.
CDOT said the improvements were generated by focusing on three areas on the mountain corridor — infrastructure, operations and public education.
The agency completed the east and westbound Twin Tunnels widening, the first improvements along that portion of I-70 in 40 years.
The agency also invested $8 million toward adding plow drivers, using snowplow escorts on the Eisenhower Tunnel approach and metering traffic coming onto I-70 at key locations.
CDOT launched its “Change Your Peak Drive” campaign, as well. This involved educating the public on the importance of having good tires, driving safely around plows, traveling during off-peak times and carpooling. CDOT also started a Mountain Travel Radio station to inform motorists about conditions along I-70.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or twitter.com/montewhaley
