DENVER (KDVR) — The U.S. is heading into one of its busiest holiday periods, with AAA projecting that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the July 4 holiday, and a projected 61.6 million Americans will travel by car — a jump of over 1 million road travelers since last year.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is anticipating that hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and visitors will head into the mountains to celebrate Independence Day, with travel volumes expected to hit peak starting the afternoon of Thursday, July 3, and continuing through Sunday evening, July 6.

“Whether you’re heading to the mountains to hike, camp, or watch fireworks, we want everyone to get to their destination safely,” said Sally Chafee, CDOT’s chief of staff, in the agency's travel announcement. “Plan ahead, be patient, and help us protect Colorado’s beautiful landscapes from fire risk.”

Because of the expected volume of motorists, CDOT is suspending all construction and maintenance work across the state as of noon on July 3 through the morning of Monday, July 7. That includes the I-70 Floyd Hill project that has involved rock blasting and periodic traffic holds on the interstate.

"While crews will not be actively working, motorists should still expect to drive through existing work zones with reduced speed areas," CDOT warned. "To avoid additional delays, travelers are urged to please stay alert and obey posted signage."

Summer tourism season in Colorado hits high gear

Colorado's summer tourism is expected to peak over the next six to seven weeks, with July 4 typically marking the beginning of above-average traffic in the high country.

To help motorists gauge the amount of anticipated traffic, CDOT shares traffic volume data from the year before. CDOT said that in 2024, traffic volume at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels remained high throughout the weekend, with a total of 235,588 vehicles counted traversing the tunnels between July 3 and July 7 last year.

CDOT said that because the holiday is on Friday, westbound I-70 has traditionally seen the most traffic on Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. The return traffic is usually heaviest on Sunday afternoon, and a travel forecast for planning departure times can be found at GOI70.com.

CDOT is also warning motorists to prepare for delays on the roadway by ensuring there is extra water, snacks, medication, entertainment and emergency supplies packed, especially when traveling with children, pets or older adults.

Additionally, much of Colorado is facing dry conditions that could lead to a fire. Eagle, Summit and Garfield counties are under Stage One fire restrictions, and the risk of human-caused wildfires is high.

On Facebook, the Summit County Sheriff's Office said that dragging chains from towed vehicles have caused fires on an almost daily basis in the Colorado mountains "over the past few weeks."

Motorists should be aware of the conditions and ensure they are not contributing by avoiding parking on or near dry gas, ensuring their vehicles are well-maintained and not overheating or leaking fluid, and that tire pressure is high enough that no exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.

Other fire tips include checking behind you before driving away from fire-sensitve locations, such as campsites, to check for signs of a developing fire, and calling 911 if any roadside fires are spotted.