Big Traffic Delays Frustrate Rocky Mountain Airshow Attendees
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Thousands of people were delayed or didn't even make it to the Rocky Mountain Airshow on Saturday because of big traffic backups. Some told CBS4 those backups were several miles long.
"They didn't do any planning on this thing," said one frustrated ticket holder.
The annual Rocky Mountain Airshow kicked off Friday night with a special preview of the Air Force Thunderbirds and a fireworks show. It's been eight years since the Thunderbirds have performed. They practiced their routines on Friday.
The Thunderbirds are considered a big draw for the airshow, bringing some 30,000 people to the reservoir.
The airshow began Saturday morning at Aurora Reservoir Park, a new venue for the airshow this year. But with only one entrance to the venue, E-70 was quickly turned into a parking lot.
The Smiths told CBS4 they left their Centennial home with two-and-a-half hours to spare and still didn't make it, "We were pretty much stopped on E-470 for an hour-and-a-half or so."
The Rocky Mountain Airshow tweeted out to ticket holders to give themselves plenty of time to get to the park.
Several people responded to the tweet that they were not happy after having to wait more than three hours in line to get to the airshow.
The Rocky Mountain Airshow said they would honor tickets for Saturday's show on Sunday since the traffic backups were so long.
The Colorado State Patrol in Castle Rock also tweeted out a warning about the delays
The CSP said E-470 from Smoky Hill and north to Jewell was backed up and that Quincy and Gun Club was at a standstill.
"Once the Thunderbirds were there we were out of the car," said one driver.
People frustrated with waiting started to pull off E-470 and park illegally on the side of the road. They also exited their cars to watch the airshow happening in the skies above.
Aurora Police cleared the area since parking is not allowed on the shoulder of E-470.
Some were happy they got to watch part of the show, even if they were at the reservoir.
"We are grateful we still have the opportunity to come on the hill and watch," said one person.
"They won't do it but they should refund the money if you can't get in there," said Betty Smith.
