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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Weather & Traffic

  • Denver Metro — Action Day for Visibility 

    Denver Metro — Action Day for Visibility 

     

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect 

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2017: 

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Wednesday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect. 

    Cloud cover and upslope winds will prevent ventilation on Wednesday, allowing for Poor visibility. 

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier! 

    At 2PM (MST), Tuesday, 1/3/2017 the highest AQI value was 53 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 
    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook 

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST: 
    Tuesday, January 3, 2017, 2:20 PM MST 

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Tuesday and Wednesday. Moderate concentrations are most likely in the Denver Metro area, and northward along the I-25 corridor to Ft. Collins and Greeley on Tuesday and Wednesday. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in these areas. 

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor Wednesday. 

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK: 
    Tuesday, January 3, 2017, 2:20 PM MST 

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

  • New year rings in new rule for metro HOV traffic lanes

    DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) reminds carpoolers that High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Express Lanes have changed to 3-plus occupants per vehicle. The change to HOV 3+ began Jan. 1.

    The change affects the US 36 and I-25 Express Lanes, two corridors that offer free carpooling in the Express Lanes. The move to HOV 3+ is needed to provide uncongested travel as well as to provide funding to help offset costs of the lane including operations and maintenance.

    CDOT and HPTE are working with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Smart Commute Metro North, 36 Commuting Solutions, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO), Lyft, Uber and others to help people find and use additional ways to carpool or take other modes of transportation. To explore other carpooling options, visit the HOV 3+ solutions website at https://www.codot.gov/programs/expresslanes/hov-3. Drivers also always have the option of driving in the free general purpose lanes.

    Carpool purists, drivers who use their Switchable HOV Transponder in carpool mode only, will be able to receive the $15 transponder for free in spring 2017 as another way to ease the transition. Drivers can get a Switchable HOV Transponder at ExpressToll.com. For more information, visit expresslanes.codot.gov.

  • Suspect in I-70 Corridor auto break-ins in custody

    The Adams County Sheriff’s Department announced New Year’s Eve that it has arrested a suspect in a series of at least seven automobile break-ins between Dec. 24-26.

    According to Cmdr. Karl Smalley with the Adams County Plains Subdivision, the arrest was made early in the morning Dec. 31 but that identification of the suspect in not being released until the investigation is completed.

    “It’s a matter of confirming with the victims that the items recovered are theirs and getting additional information collected,” Smalley said. “But hopefully getting this news out will help our residents rest a little bit easier.”

    The Adams County incidents in question occurred in and around Bennett and Strasburg and further north of I-70.

    Whether the suspect was also involved in a couple of break-ins in Byers in Arapahoe County is unknown.

    For updated coverage, see the Jan. 6 edition of the Eastern Colorado News.

     

  • Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility 

    Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility 

     

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect 

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Thursday, December 29, 2016: 

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Friday, December 30, 2016. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Friday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect. 

    High pressure over Kansas, calm to light winds over the Front Range, and an inversion that will be persistent until later afternoon, will promote visibility degradation on Friday. 

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier! 

    At 2PM (MST), Thursday, 12/29/2016 the highest AQI value was 39 for Nitrogen Dioxide which indicates Good air quality. 
    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook 

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST: 
    Thursday, December 29, 2016, 2:10 AM MST 

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and Friday. 

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Thursday and Friday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely within the Denver Metro area. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in these areas on Thursday and Friday. 

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Thursday and Friday. 

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Thursday and Friday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely within the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 7-10 AM and from 5-9 PM on Thursday and Friday. For health recommendations, please see Fine Particulate Matter above. 

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Friday. 

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK: 
    Thursday, December 29, 2016, 2:10 PM MST 

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

  • Denver Metro – Action Day for Visibility

    Denver Metro – Action Day for Visibility

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect 

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2016: 

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Thursday, December 29, 2016. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Thursday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect. 

    Limited atmospheric ventilation will cause Poor visibility on Thursday. 

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier! 

    At 2PM (MST), Wednesday, 12/28/2016 the highest AQI value was 51 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 
    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook 

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST: 
    Wednesday, December 28, 2016, 2:00 PM MST 

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Fine Particulate Matter     concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate concentrations of fine particulates are most likely within the Denver Metro area. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion in these areas on Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Carbon Monoxide     concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday, and in the Good to Moderate range on Thursday. Moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are most likely within the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 7-10 AM and from 5-9 PM on Thursday. For health recommendations, please see Fine Particulate Matter above. 

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Thursday. 

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK: 
    Wednesday, December 28, 2016, 2:00 PM MST 

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

  • HOV EXPRESS LANES: Changes You Need to Know

    HOV EXPRESS LANES: Changes You Need to Know

    CDOT’S HOV 2+ CHANGES TO HOV 3+

    Carpoolers need three or more people to ride for free starting Jan. 1

    DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) want to remind drivers that CDOT’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Express Lanes on US 36 and I-25 will change from HOV 2+ to HOV 3+ on Jan. 1, 2017. HOV 3+ equals a driver and at least two passengers.

    WHY– Colorado has passed the point where it can build its way out of congestion. With the State’s population exploding and transportation funding decreasing, we must look at innovative ways to move traffic across the State. HOV 3+ ensures that those lanes remain free-flowing now and in the future, so that those who choose to ride the bus, pay a toll, or carpool always have a reliable and faster trip. Also, this change helps provide funding to offset the costs of adding transportation infrastructure and ongoing operations and maintenance.

    SOLUTIONS – CDOT and HPTE are working with the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Smart Commute Metro North, 36 Commuting Solutions, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO), Lyft, Uber and others to help people find and use additional ways to carpool or take other modes of transportation. Drivers also always have the option of driving in the free general purpose lanes. In addition, if drivers plan to carpool only (HOV purists), they will be able to receive the $15 switchable HOV transponder for free in spring 2017 as another way to help ease the transition. To explore your different options, Visit HOV 3+ HERE.

    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. HOV 3+ will be in effect Jan. 1, 2017 on CDOT’s I-25 and US 36 Express Lanes.

    • 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.

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  • Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility 

    Denver Metro Action Day for Visibility 

     

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect 

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Friday, December 23, 2016: 

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Saturday, December 24, 2016. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Saturday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect. 

    Stagnant conditions and a prolonged inversion will limit mixing, allowing visibility to degrade to poor on Saturday. 

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier! 

    At 2PM (MST), Friday, 12/23/2016 the highest AQI value was 64 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 
    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook 

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST: 
    Friday, December 23, 2016, 2:30 PM MST 

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Friday and Saturday. 

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate on Friday and Saturday. Moderate conditions are most likely along the Front Range Urban corridor, including the Denver Metro Area, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, and Greeley. Colorado Springs will clean out late on Friday and be in the good category on Saturday. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion in these areas. 

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Friday and Saturday. 

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Friday and Saturday. Moderate concentrations are most likely in the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 7-10 AM and 5-9 PM. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion in these areas on Friday and Saturday, particularly while moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are experienced. 

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Saturday. 

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK: 
    Friday, December 24, 2016, 2:30 PM MST 

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state.

  • Action Day for Visibility

    Action Day for Visibility

    Indoor Burning Restrictions in Effect

    This is the Denver Metro Air Pollution Forecast effective 4PM on Wednesday, December 21, 2016:

    An Action Day for Visibility is now in effect for the seven-county Denver-Boulder metropolitan area . Indoor Burning Restrictions and requests to limit driving are now in effect until at least 4 PM Thursday, December 22, 2016. Poor visibility and an exceedance of the state visibility standard are expected on Thursday. Otherwise, good or moderate air quality conditions are expected. No other air quality advisories are in effect.

    Calm winds and stagnant conditions will promote visibility degradation throughout the day on Thursday.

    For statewide conditions, forecasts and advisories, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx  

    A poorly maintained vehicle pollutes more than a well maintained one. If you must drive, properly maintain your vehicle. We’ll all breathe easier!

    At 2PM (MST), Wednesday, 12/21/2016 the highest AQI value was 52 for Particulate less than 2.5 micrometers which indicates Moderate air quality. Respiratory symptoms possible in unusually sensitive individuals, possible aggravation of heart or lung disease in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
    Front Range Air Quality Forecast & Colorado Smoke Outlook

    FRONT RANGE AIR QUALITY FORECAST: 
    Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 2:00 PM MST 

    Ozone concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Fine Particulate Matter concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate on Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate conditions are most likely in the Denver Metro Area, and northward along the I-25 corridor to Ft. Collins and Greeley. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion in these areas. 

    Carbon Monoxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good category on Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations are expected to be in the Good to Moderate range on Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate concentrations are most likely in the Denver Metro area near busy roadways, particularly between the hours of 7-10 AM and 5-9 PM. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion in these areas on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly while moderate concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are experienced. 

    Visibility is expected to be Moderate to Poor on Thursday. 

    COLORADO SMOKE OUTLOOK: 
    Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 2:00 PM MST 

    Light to moderate smoke is possible near prescribed fires and small wildfires around the state. 

    What if there is a wildfire or smoke in your area? 

    The focus of the Colorado Smoke Outlook is on large fires (e.g., greater than 100 acres in size). Nevertheless, smoke from smaller fires, prescribed fires, and/or smoke from new fires not yet known to CDPHE air quality meteorologists may cause locally heavy smoke. If there is smoke in your neighborhood, see the public health recommendations below.

    Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Fine particulates may reach the Unhealthy category where smoke is heavy. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY. 
    For additional information about smoke, visit: 
    http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx

  • I-70 double-lane closure at Garrison Bridge to occur again tonight

    DENVER– The Colorado Department of Transportation will perform another round of safety critical work on eastbound Interstate 70 at mile marker 267.5 on the Garrison Bridge tonight. Crews laid two separate patches of concrete last week and noticed that the first patch they installed was also crumbling while they were removing and replacing the second concrete patch last night. The crumbling surface could cause a safety hazard. Crews will remove and replace the concrete patch, which will require a double lane closure. 

    The closure will begin with a single eastbound right lane closure at 7 p.m. and will be a double right lane closure at 9 p.m. All lanes will reopen to traffic by 5:30 a.m.

    For additional information, call the project information line at 1-888-759-6197, Option 9, e-mail the team at , or visit www.codot.gov/projects/i-70-over-garrison-street.

  • Eastbound I-70 from Central Park Boulevard to Peoria Street closed tonight

    DENVER — Starting at 7 p.m. tonight, incremental land closures will occur until there is a full eastbound shutdown  of I-70 from Central Park Boulevard to Peoria Street to remove an overhead sign structure as part of the I-70 over Havana Street Bridge Replacement project.

    The full closure will begin with a single lane at 7 p.m., double lanes at 9 p.m., triple lanes at 11 p.m. and all lanes at 11:30 p.m. All lanes will reopen at 5 a.m.

    The eastbound I-70 on-ramp at Central Park Boulevard, and the I-70 eastbound Havana on-ramp will be closed at 7 p.m. and will reopen at 5 a.m. The eastbound I-70 Havana off-ramp, and the eastbound I-70 Peoria Street off-ramp will be closed at 7 p.m. and will reopen at 5 a.m.

    DETOUR

    All eastbound traffic will be detoured north onto Central Park Boulevard, east onto 47th Avenue, and south onto Peoria Street, to access the interstate traveling east.

    For additional information, call the project information line at (720) 541-9189, or e-mail , or visit the project website and sign up for updates at www.codot.gov/projects/i70overhavana. For more information on travel conditions, visit COTrip.org, sign up for GovDelivery, or call 511.