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CDOT Tests A New Project To Keep Traffic Moving On The I-70 Mountain Drive

Written by Traffic Specialist Joel Hillan

The Colorado Department of Transportation is trying something new to keep traffic moving at the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel on Interstate 70 and keep the tunnel clear, even during peak times.

They will be using intermittent metering. It is just like what you see right now on the ramps to I-25. Traffic lights will cycle every 4 to 8 seconds so that vehicles only stop briefly before entering the tunnel.

"What we're trying to do is help that process. So when traffic backs up if we can somehow keep traffic going more smoothly into the tunnel but slowly, at least it will be moving instead of stopped," CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman told me.

If the tests are successful, CDOT will use the system during the holidays and beyond.

This is the latest in a series of ideas CDOT has been testing to help traffic move along the I-70 mountain corridor. Last year they tried using a pace car, and on Wednesday they admitted that didn't work as well as they would have hoped and are scrapping the plan.

About The Blogger

- In the Traffic Blog Joel Hillan writes about highways to avoid, trouble spots throughout the city of Denver and construction issues. He is always interested in hearing about your traffic problems, so send him an email. Also, follow Joel on Twitter at @JoelHillan.

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