As Memorial Day approaches, Colorado is set to see a significant surge in traffic, especially towards the mountains. The holiday weekend is expected to attract a substantial number of travelers both arriving at and departing from Denver International Airport (DIA).
Travel Forecast for Memorial Day Weekend
Approximately 437,000 passengers are anticipated to travel through DIA from Thursday to Tuesday. This figure represents a slight 2% decrease compared to the same holiday period in 2025. Despite this dip, Denver remains a popular destination, ranking ninth nationally for Memorial Day travel.
Busy Days Ahead
- Peak travel days are Thursday, Friday, and Monday.
- Expected daily passengers exceeding 80,000 at DIA during peak days.
Overall, around 45 million Americans are estimated to travel over the Memorial Day weekend. This includes over 39 million traveling by car and nearly 3.7 million by air, marking a 5% increase compared to 2019 levels.
Mountain Traffic Insights
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) predicts that mountain traffic will significantly exceed historical averages. Traffic heading to the mountainous regions on Interstate 70 is likely to be particularly heavy.
Traffic Patterns and Recommendations
Drivers are advised to travel early or late on peak days to avoid congestion:
- Before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Friday and Monday.
Last year’s records indicate heavy traffic levels at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel, with over 2,500 vehicles per hour noted on Monday. On average, around 151,000 vehicles travel to Colorado’s mountains for the holiday.
Traffic Management Measures
To manage the expected increase in road traffic, CDOT will halt all construction projects statewide from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Key areas, including Floyd Hill and the tunnel approaches, are anticipated to experience significant delays.
Travel Tips
Travelers should keep in mind:
- Expect peak traffic from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
- Check TSA security wait times and flight statuses online before arriving at DIA.
With fewer winter storms this year, more access to mountain areas is anticipated. CDOT officials expect an increase in traffic due to better conditions, encouraging motorists to drive safely and patiently. As one representative noted, “Take your time, and pack your patience.”
