The Colorado Department of Transportation is expecting heavy traffic along the I-70 corridor throughout the weekend and into next week as visitors from the Front Range and around the country venture to and from the mountains over the holidays.

“Our wish for everyone is have a safe trip wherever they may go, not only during the holidays but continuing through 2019,” said Michael Lewis, CDOT’s executive director. “Our maintenance crews also will be at the ready to keep roads open for those who’ll be traveling to see family and friends or heading out for recreation.”

Traffic is historically heavy around the Christmas holiday, and CDOT isn’t expecting anything different this season. Last year more than 281,000 individuals made the trek through the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels, from Dec. 21-27, and this year could see even more motorists.

“We’re already seeing some pretty large numbers heading through the tunnel this morning,” said Tracey Trulove of CDOT. “And travel already this year is trending higher.”

Trulove noted that adding to the potential troubles of a large influx of tourist travelers is the forecast for snow this weekend, which could further slow traffic along I-70.

Trulove recommended that anyone heading onto the highway over the next few days be prepared for anything — including road closures — and that motorists should be prepared with snacks, water and a fully charged cell phone before heading out. Additionally, Trulove advised visiting COTrip.org for road conditions, traffic cameras and more to make sure it’s a trip worth taking.

“The most we can do is have the road in the best condition we can get it so everyone has a clear path,” said Trulove. “But this isn’t an unfamiliar situation. We do our best to prepare our people.”