The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers to anticipate heavy traffic in many parts of Colorado this week and over the New Year’s weekend.

To reduce potential delays, all CDOT construction projects will be suspended statewide by midday Friday, December 30.  Projects can resume their regular schedules on Tuesday, January 3.  The only exception is for emergency operations.

According to the AAA Colorado, automobile travel is at its highest volume during the year-end holidays.  Higher traffic areas in Colorado include Interstate 25 along the Front Range and on I-70, west of Denver, due to increased tourist traffic to and from the resort areas and other mountain locations. 

The daily traffic average (not including weekends) at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels is about 30,000 vehicles.  During the final week of the year, it tends to average around 44,000 vehicles a day. 

Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year.  Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by going to www.cotrip.org.  Updates also are available via e-mail or text.