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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Weather & Traffic

  • The “Move Over” Campaign Hosts Ride-Alongs & Photo Ops!

    The “Move Over” Campaign Hosts Ride-Alongs & Photo Ops!

    The Statewide Campaign Continues

    to 

    “Move Over”

    on

    July 11th

    The Colorado State Patrol is coordinating an effort by encouraging communities and members of the media to contact the Public Affairs unit to arrange a ride with a trooper and photo opportunity.

    We continue to see needless crashes across the state, despite Colorado Revised Statute 42-4- 705, Colorado’s “Move Over” Law. Every year, several first responders and other road safety personnel are seriously injured, some fatally, because motorists simply refuse to move over. To improve the motoring public’s awareness of this law, several law enforcement agencies throughout the State will be teaming up on Tuesday, July 11th to conduct an education and enforcement operation focusing on motorists who violate the Move Over law.

    Colorado’s law is clear, requiring motorists to move over at least one lane whenever they approach an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. If a motorist is unable to move over, such as a two-lane road or when heavy traffic is present, they are required to greatly reduce their speed. This law also protects road maintenance and tow truck operations. By moving over, motorists provide a buffer zone for safe work environments. 

    Eight months ago, after the tragic death of Colorado State Patrol Trooper Cody Donahue, five south metro area law enforcement agencies joined forces to eliminate the disregard for the Move Over law with “Operation One Charlie Three.” The operations have had positive results in regards to influencing driver behavior.  Several thousand traffic stops for violations of the Move Over law have been made and more Colorado motorists are changing lanes when necessary to give first responders and others the room they need to work. 

    Thirty agencies are now utilizing increased enforcement efforts, along with education, to solidify the message.  The One Charlie Three (1C3) Operations are receiving support from other state agencies as the Colorado Department of Transportation and private partnerships such as the E470 Public Highway Authority and Northwest Parkway Authority which have provided electronic sign messaging that promotes this vital safety campaign.

    We encourage all drivers to be mindful of this law, remember Trooper Donahue’s sacrifice and to assist us in making Colorado roads safer.    

    Media and community members are encouraged to contact Public Affairs @ 303.239.4583.

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  • Paving to close single lane of Highway 36 July 10-14

    Paving to close single lane of Highway 36 July 10-14

    Next week’s road crew activity between Strasburg and Byers will take place exclusively along County Road.

    From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 10-14, the eastbound lane of County Road 2 will be closed for paving. Flaggers will be present to guide one-way traffic through the closures.

    For project information, call (303)317-2112 or e-mail .

  • Burn bans announced in Adams, Arapahoe counties

    Burn bans announced in Adams, Arapahoe counties

    Both the Adams and Arapahoe county sheriff’s offices announced earlier today (Thursday, July 6) that open burning in unincorporated areas is banned until further notice.

    Control burn permits approved prior to today’s announcement are no longer valid.

    Violations of the ban can result in fines between $500 and $1,000, depending on how many previous violations have occurred.

    Abnormally hot, dry and windy conditions have led to the decision.

    Residents are urged to contact their local fire jurisdiction for more information.

     

     

  • Roadway Alert!

    As temperatures rise, roadways may be affected…

    …concrete pavement can break or buckle

    DENVER– As temperatures rise and stay above 85 degrees, concrete pavement can either break or buckle. In the past two days, the Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crews have had to conduct emergency repair work on CO 83 between Belleview and Stroh Road to clean-up broken concrete, gut the damaged section of roadway out and lay asphalt pavement as a temporary repair.

    Currently, crews are conducting emergency repair work on CO 83 at East Valley Drive. This is necessary to protect motorists from loose concrete and prevent further damage to the roadway.

    Each summer, CDOT is constantly on the lookout for loose or buckling concrete. CDOT asks motorists to report any signs of damaged roadway to its customer service representatives so they can alert crews immediately.

    Concrete pavement is often more durable and can have a lifespan of up to 30 years. This is largely due to the fact that concrete is constantly moving allowing for heavy traffic without causing major damage. With extreme heat, however, the concrete starts to expand and the expansion joints meant to allow the concrete to move lock-up. If the concrete expands too much, it has no where to release the pressure and ultimately breaks or buckles.

    Motorists are reminded that they can be penalized for failing to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles.  The Move Over for Cody Act stipulates that failing to move over carries the possibility of 12 to 18 months in jail and a fine up to $5,000.  The new law is named for Colorado State Patrol Trooper Cody Donahue, who was killed in 2016 when a tractor-trailer driver drifted onto the shoulder and hit Donahue while he was outside his cruiser responding to another crash.  

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  • NEW TOLL RATES PROPOSED: I-25 & US36 EXPRESS LANES

    NEW TOLL RATES PROPOSED: I-25 & US36 EXPRESS LANES

    TOLL RATE ADJUSTMENT PROPOSED

    FOR

    US 36 AND I-25 EXPRESS LANES

    HPTE to review proposed annual toll rate adjustments to ensure trip reliability

    DENVER – The High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) announced that Plenary Roads Denver (PRD), the private concessionaire managing the US 36 and I-25 Central Express Lanes, has proposed toll rate adjustments on the US 36 and I-25 Central Express Lanes. PRD proposes adjusting rates to manage congestion and ensure reliable travel times for users of the Express Lanes, including RTD Flatiron Flyer users. The HPTE Board will consider and take action on the proposed toll rate adjustment at the regularly scheduled July Board meeting on July 19.

    The current rates on US 36 and I-25 Central were established two years ago. In order to manage congestion and provide reliable travel times. We need to review the rates and their effectiveness each year. – Simon Stachnik, PRD project manager.

    Highlights from the proposed toll rate adjustments, which assume an ExpressToll account and pass, include:

    • On average, tolls along US 36 will increase 10 cents for off-peak customers
    • US 36 peak rates will increase between 15 and 35 cents on average, but in some locations, the tolls will decrease between 10 and 60 cents
    • The maximum price for a morning trip from Boulder to Denver will be $8.35, a 40-cent decrease from the current rate of $8.75
    • The maximum price for an afternoon trip from Denver to Boulder will be $8.05, a 75-cent increase from the current rate of $7.30
    • The round-trip rate from Boulder to Denver will increase 35 cents
    • Changes to toll rates would be communicated on the overhead electronic signage boards at each toll gantry point, so motorists know how much they will be charged before choosing to enter the Express Lanes

    Express Lanes offer travelers the choice to carpool, take transit, or pay a toll to ensure a reliable travel time. Express Lanes can’t remain reliable unless we are regularly re-evaluating the rates on the lanes. In PRD’s proposal, some tolls increase but others decrease based on traffic volume. ” – HPTE Director David Spector

    Commuters are embracing the traveling choices the new US 36 and I-25 Express Lanes offer. On US 36, the Express Lanes have increased speeds during rush hour for all travelers (not just those in the Express Lanes) by 20 to 29 percent. The project, a public-private partnership, includes two free general purpose lanes in each direction, one tolled Express Lane in each direction and a bikeway along the US 36 corridor –- offering users the valuable choice to ride the bus, carpool or bike.

    For more information on the proposed toll rates, including fact sheets, click here.

    CDOT, HPTE and PRD encourage motorists using Express Lanes on US 36, I-25 and I-70 to get an ExpressToll account and pass to save on tolls every time. ExpressToll accounts and passes can be obtained at www.ExpressToll.com or (303) 537-3470.

    HPTE Board meetings are always open to the public, and the proposed toll rate adjustments will be presented by PRD and considered by the HPTE Board for approval at the July 19, 2017, HPTE board meeting at CDOT Headquarters Auditorium, 4201 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver at 11:30 a.m. Public comment and the Board vote will take place no earlier than 12:30 p.m. If approved, the proposed toll rates will go into effect on July 24, 2017.

    About Express Lanes: Express Lanes increase roadway capacity and help to manage congestion on the highways. The use of toll pricing during peak travel times reduces delays, manages congestion and maintains reliable travel times. Express Lanes are currently open on I-25 between downtown Denver and 120th Avenue, US 36 between Denver and Boulder, and on I-70 between Idaho Springs and Empire. Learn more at expresslanes.codot.gov.

    About the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE): The HPTE operates as a government-owned, independent business within CDOT. It searches out innovative ways to finance projects to help Colorado fulfill its commitment to increase travel choices through options that include Express Lanes, transit, biking, walking and carpooling. For more information, visit www.coloradohpte.com.

    About CDOT: www.codot.gov

     

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  • Road construction converges on Byers today; delays and detours to be expected

    Road construction converges on Byers today; delays and detours to be expected

    BYERS — The eastbound lane of the Highway 36 construction project between Strasburg and Byers has been mostly completed and crews are working through Byers today, creating a bevy of backups and detours.

    The project manager said that the first lane of the construction at the Highway 36 intersection in Byers and moving north towards the I-7o overpass will be concluded today but that the second lane won’t be done until tomorrow. In addition to traffic being detoured, 5 to 10 minute delays can be expected, if not longer.

     

  • Highway 36 lane closure between ‘Burg, Byers set for next week

    For the week of June 5 through June 9, the eastbound lane of Highway 36 between Strasburg and Byers (mile marker 94.7 through 100.9) will be closed while paving operations occur between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

    According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, flaggers will guide one-way traffic through the closed areas. Speeds could also be reduced from the normal 55 mph to 40 mph.

    For additional project information, call (303)317-2112 or e-mail with questions.

  • Paving project between ‘Burg and Byers to commence next week

    Paving project between ‘Burg and Byers to commence next week

    Paving on Highway 36 between mileposts 94.7 and 100.9 between Strasburg and Byers will start next week.

    Between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday, May 22, through Thursday, May 25, surveying crews will be along the stretch of highway, forcing shutdown of the shoulders. In select areas, the speed limit will be reduced from the normal 55 mph down to 40 mph.

    The combination of repaving both Highway 36 and County Road two between Strasburg and Byers is expected to last through much of November. For weekly construction updates, including road closures or detours, visit www.i-70scout.com.

     

  • Heavy moisture, cold temperatures to continue through much of Friday

    Heavy moisture, cold temperatures to continue through much of Friday

    For rest of today (Thursday, May 18)
    At lower elevations east of I-25, precipitation will mainly be rain or a mix of rain and snow today with locally up to an inch of rain possible with the heavier showers. Any snow accumulation will be light. The heavier rainfall could cause minor flooding of streets, underpasses, small streams, and low lying areas. River levels are expected to rise as runoff reaches the larger streams.
    The heavy wet snow will accumulate on leafed out trees causing limbs to break, and possibly cause scattered power outages.
    Freezing temperatures on the plains tonight could injure or kill tender plants.

    For tomorrow (Friday, May 19)
    At lower elevations, snow is expected to lower to near 5200 feet in the morning, with 2 to 5 inches possible, though 9 to 18 inches isn`t out of the question over the Palmer Divide and closer to the Foothills. Widespread rain across the rest of the plains will continue through the afternoon before tapering off.
    Low lying areas may be prone to localized flooding and rivers are expected to swell, do not try to cross flooded roads. This system will bring temperatures that are 20 to 30 degrees below normal for mid- to late-May.
    Low temperatures Friday night will likely be at or below freezing.

  • CSU team predicts slightly below-average 2017 Atlantic hurricane season

    CSU team predicts slightly below-average 2017 Atlantic hurricane season

    FORT COLLINS — Colorado State University hurricane researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2017, citing the potential development of El Niño as well as recent anomalous cooling in the tropical Atlantic as primary factors.

    A weak La Niña this past winter has dissipated, and there is the potential that a weak to moderate El Niño could develop by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. El Niño tends to increase upper-level westerly winds across the Caribbean into the tropical Atlantic, tearing apart hurricanes as they try to form. In addition, most of the North Atlantic has anomalously cooled over the past month, and the tropical Atlantic is now slightly cooler than normal. In addition to providing less fuel for tropical cyclone formation and intensification, cooler tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are associated with a more stable atmosphere as well as drier air, both of which suppress organized thunderstorm activity necessary for hurricane development.

    11 named storms

    The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team is predicting 11 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Of those, researchers expect four to become hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane strength (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

    The team bases its forecasts on over 60 years of historical data that include Atlantic sea surface temperatures, sea level pressures, vertical wind shear levels (the change in wind direction and speed with height in the atmosphere), El Niño (warming of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific), and other factors.

    So far, the 2017 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to 1957, 1965, 1972, 1976, and 2002. “1957, 1965, 1976 and 2002 had slightly below-average hurricane activity, while 1972 was a well below-average season,” said Phil Klotzbach, research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science and lead author of the report.

    The team predicts that 2017 hurricane activity will be about 85 percent of the average season. By comparison, 2016’s hurricane activity was about 135 percent of the average season.

    The CSU team will issue forecast updates on June 1, July 3 and August 2.

    This is the 34th year that the CSU hurricane research team has issued the Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecast. Recently, the Tropical Meteorology Project team has expanded to include Michael Bell, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science. William Gray launched the report in 1984 and continued to be an author on them until his death last year.

    The CSU forecast is intended to provide a best estimate of activity to be experienced during the upcoming season – not an exact measure.

    Bell cautioned coastal residents to take proper precautions.

    “It takes only one storm near you to make this an active season,” Bell said.

    Landfall probability

    The report also includes the probability of major hurricanes making landfall:

    42 percent for the entire U.S. coastline (average for the last century is 52 percent)

    24 percent for the U.S. East Coast including the Florida peninsula (average for the last century is 31 percent)

    24 percent for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville (average for the last century is 30 percent)

    34 percent for the Caribbean (average for the last century is 42 percent)

    The forecast team also tracks the likelihood of tropical storm-force, hurricane-force and major hurricane-force winds occurring at specific locations along the coastal United States, the Caribbean and Central America through its Landfall Probability website.

    The site provides information for all coastal states as well as 11 regions and 205 individual counties along the U.S. coastline from Brownsville, Texas, to Eastport, Maine. Landfall probabilities for regions and counties are adjusted based on the current climate and its projected effects on the upcoming hurricane season.

    Klotzbach and Bell update the site regularly with assistance from the GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.

    Funding for this year’s report has been provided by Interstate Restoration, Ironshore Insurance and a grant from the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation.

    EXTENDED RANGE ATLANTIC BASIN HURRICANE FORECAST FOR 2017:

    Released April 6, 2017

    Tropical Cyclone Parameters Extended Range

    (1981-2010 Climatological Median Forecast for 2017

    in parentheses)

    Named Storms (12)* 11

    Named Storm Days (60.1) 50

    Hurricanes (6.5) 4

    Hurricane Days (21.3) 16

    Major Hurricanes (2.0) 2

    Major Hurricane Days (3.9) 4

    Accumulated Cyclone Energy (92) 75

    Net Tropical Cyclone Activity (103%) 85

    * Numbers in ( ) represent medians based on 1981-2010 data.