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Labor Day Traffic Gridlock Brings I-70 Travel Headaches

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Campers, climbers and everyone else crammed onto Interstate 70 heading back to the Front Range Monday, creating gridlock in Colorado's High County.

CDOT began warning drivers early in the day about the expected delays, those started becoming a reality starting in Silverthorne around 11 a.m., and only got worse as more people started their journey home.

Tow truck operator Michael Leary staged his rig near the entrance to the Eisenhower Tunnel, waiting to help out.

"Bad day to be driving out here today, we all know it but we all have to get back to Denver," Leary said.

CDOT uses overhead electric messaging on signs and kept Twitter users updated with latest estimated delays Monday, but that information was little relief to anyone stuck in the backups.

To see the latest CDOT delay info visit: cotrip.org

Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.

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