The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect heavy traffic and longer travel times on mountain highways over the Fourth of July holiday weekend while wildfire risks remain high across much of the state.

The holiday falls on a Saturday, traditionally kicking off peak summer tourism in the high country. Westbound Interstate 70 traffic is expected to peak Friday, starting around 10 a.m., with the heaviest eastbound return traffic Sunday afternoon and evening.

CDOT recommends traveling through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel before 9 a.m. Friday or after 6 p.m. Sunday to avoid the worst congestion.

CDOT is suspending most state-maintained construction and maintenance projects from midday Thursday through Sunday, with the only exception for emergency operations.

Officials continue to monitor active wildfires that can cause sudden highway closures, including on U.S. 550 north of Ouray and segments of CO 165.

Motorists should check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app for real-time updates on road conditions, incidents and fire-related detours before heading out.

“Safe driving is essential to prevent sparks,” CDOT said in a statement. “Ultimately, safety starts before you leave home: planning your route, maintaining your vehicle and understanding the risks are crucial steps this season.”

The Colorado State Patrol is increasing enforcement for the holiday, with a focus on impaired driving.

Last year, the Fourth of July was the top holiday for impaired-driver crashes investigated by CSP. Troopers plan heightened DUI patrols through the weekend as part of broader “The Heat Is On” efforts.

Colorado law prohibits personal fireworks that explode or leave the ground, and many areas are under fire restrictions banning all consumer fireworks amid elevated wildfire danger.

Officials urge residents to attend professional displays instead.

The Regional Transportation District is preparing for large crowds downtown for Independence weekend events, including Ed Sheeran at Empower Field at Mile High, a Rockies game with fireworks, a Deadbeats Backyard Jamboree and other concerts. RTD will operate on a holiday schedule Friday and add rail cars to several lines Friday and Saturday to accommodate increased ridership.

Additional transit police and security will be deployed. Customers should use the NextRide trip planner and consider Park-n-Rides. Last trains from Union Station will vary by line and day.

Busy time for DIA

The Fourth of July weekend is also one of the busiest times of the year at Denver International Airport. 

The airport expects more than 844,000 people to pass through the airport’s security between June 25 and Monday, DIA announced in a news release. The busiest day will be Sunday, which DIA projects could see more than 85,000 passengers.

The airport is recommending flyers arrive at the airport at least two hours before boarding time. Security wait times can surge during peak hours from 3 to 4:30 a.m., 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., the airport said in a news release.

Passengers should remember the airport no longer has a reservation system for Transportation Security Administration security lines. DEN Reserve ceased operating on June 27 after the airport found the system no longer necessary after the opening of the modernized West and East Security Checkpoints. 

The airport opened two new TSA checkpoints that replaced earlier screening areas with the latest technology, including facial recognition ID verification and a conveyor allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins at the same time. Passengers don’t have to take off their shoes and can leave their liquids and electronics in their bags, speeding up wait times for security.

Highways reopen

U.S. 550 reopened to through traffic between Ridgway and Ouray on Tuesday afternoon following wildfire response activity.

CDOT opened the highway north of Ouray, from mile points 94 to 96, at 1 p.m. Motorists must slow down and remain alert for firefighters and heavy equipment working beside the roadway. Stopping or standing beside the highway between Ridgway and Ouray is not permitted.

All of Ouray County Road 14 remains closed for fire response activity.

With extreme fire danger across the state, travelers should prepare for possible emergency road closures and detours at any time, CDOT said.

Officials advised against using rugged off-road or unpaved routes suggested by mapping apps, which can be dangerous for passenger and commercial vehicles.

The reopening comes amid the Gold Mountain fire. For the latest evacuation information, residents and travelers should check with the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office.