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CDOT Attempting To Change Traffic Patterns On I-70

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – The Colorado Department of Transportation is attempting to change traffic patterns on Interstate 70 in the mountains as problems continue.

A few weekends ago drivers experienced a traffic nightmare on I-70 when it took some people four hours or more to travel less than nine miles up to the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel.

On Sunday traffic started in the heart of Clear Creek County from the Highway 40 entrance ramp near Empire back through Georgetown and getting close to the Eisenhower Tunnel.

CDOT said that delays are partly caused by skiers enjoying the best snow in the mountains in the past decade.

"We wanted to leave earlier but we loved the skiing so much. We banked on a two and a half hour drive home," said skier Kurt Grindeland.

CDOT is trying wave escorts and controlling the entrance ramps to try and ease the traffic patterns.

They have also asked drivers to try and change their peak travel times.

"We'll probably stop at McDonalds and grab something to go but we're going to probably sit in it," said Brighton resident Randy Bell.

"We're probably going to find a bite to eat in Silverthorne and see if we can wait see what the traffic report is," said Grindeland.

Travel times Sunday evening were approaching a one hour delay and no backups were seen on the west side of the Eisenhower Tunnel.

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