US 285 Sunday traffic?

[Martinjmpr]

Has anyone here been on US 285 between Fairplay and Conifer on Sunday afternoons lately? Just wondering if traffic is usually slow/stopped along there.

I know in past years Sunday afternoon traffic has been slow, stop-and-go traffic from about Fairplay all the way up to Kenosha Pass and then again from Grant to Bailey, at least and in some cases all the way to Conifer. But I also know they've widened the road in a few places to try and ease up on the congestion.

Planning a trip to Montrose in mid July (not the 4th) and wondering if I should bypass 285 on my return to Denver. US 24 to Woodland Park adds about an hour to the drive time but I'd rather be moving than stationary even if it means a longer route (I'll be on a motorcycle so sitting in traffic isn't much fun.)

I'd prefer the shorter, more direct route home but if it means sitting stopped in traffic I'll take the longer route through Woodland Park.

Thanks in advance!

[ray1970]

I’ve had better luck on 285 than 70.

I’ll be going that way this Sunday. I’ll let you know how it is.

[Monky]

May luck be ever in your favor.. travelling any roads in this state and avoiding traffic

[BushMasterBoy]

Look at the highways cameras before you go. I usually do this before a trip. The DOT is usually pretty good at updating this system as to road closure delays due to accidents, fires, etc. Link below

http://www.cotrip.org/home.htm

[Martinjmpr]

Last year we camped near Mt. Princeton Hot Springs in mid August and I was pleasantly surprised to have a drama-free drive all the way back on 285. I think the only real delays in traffic were due to the traffic lights in Fairplay, near Bailey, and at Pine Junction. Other than that it was smooth going.

I know I-70 is usually crappy, which is why I avoid it on Sunday afternoons at all costs.

[Delfuego]

The worst. Even if you leave in the AM.

A park county sheriff I know stated simply; he never leaves the house on Sundays :)

[TFOGGER]

My experience is that it's a coin flip. As long as nobody does anything stupid, it generally moves along pretty well. Unfortunately, because it is so narrow most of the way, it turns into a shit show as soon as someone does.

[theGinsue]

There's a wildfire burning somewhere around Fairplay rigt now. This could seriously impact your travel in that area. Even if you aren't near the fire itself, the smoke could cause limited visibility on the road.

[UncleDave]

There is usually a slowdown at Crow Hill where the stop light is, then it loosens up and is slower than posted but moving through Conifer. Except holiday weekend of course.

[ray1970]

There's a wildfire burning somewhere around Fairplay rigt now. This could seriously impact your travel in that area. Even if you aren't near the fire itself, the smoke could cause limited visibility on the road.

Well poop.

The wife and I were going to take the bikes through Fairplay and into Breckinridge for lunch on Sunday.

Maybe I should check out the fire situation first.

[BushMasterBoy]

The smoke here in Pueblo West is terrible right now. I'm sure it is from the fire that closed Hiway 160 around La Veta.

Correction: The fire is south of Pueblo Lake State Park. The park is being evacuated. Hiway 96 is closed.

http://www.koaa.com/story/38543790/parts-of-lake-pueblo-state-park-now-under-evacuation-orders-due-to-stonemoor-fire

[BushMasterBoy]

US 285 is closed both directions due to wildfire from Antero Junction to Fairplay. CO 9 and US 24 being used as alternate routes.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Stay out of woodland park hit or miss on traffic but most likely will be bad

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I don't know if it was because of the closed segment of US 285 between Antero Junction (US 24 East intersection) and Fairplay, but traffic on US 24 this weekend was heavy. Not slow, but definitely heavy, like no breaks in traffic and no point in trying to pass because you'd just end up behind another line of cars.

I'm starting to think the only way to avoid heavy Sunday afternoon traffic is to take back roads all the way. Once we jumped off of US 24 at Woodland Park onto 67 it was pretty wide open. Deckers to Sedalia was a little bit slow but I think that's because there was a DougCO Deputy in front of us. ;)

[hurley842002]

May luck be ever in your favor.. travelling any roads in this state and avoiding traffic

This^

Off topic from the OP's area of concern, but in reference to Metro traffic, we just got back from the LA area, traveling as far south as San Diego, at all different hours of the day (including "rush hour"), and I'm confident Denver traffic is as bad as LA, if not worse in some ways. My wife's Aunt and Uncle (who live in LA) traveled through Denver heading to Ft. Collins last month, and mentioned how terrible Denver traffic was at around 3pm, that is saying something coming from LA residents.

[BladesNBarrels]

Great day for the helicopter!
Oops, wrong forum.

[ray1970]

I opted not to try and ride that way yesterday. Chose to ride east instead so I have nothing to report on 285.

[kidicarus13]

Great day for the helicopter!
Oops, wrong forum.Ok Rich Wyatt