Worst Commutes in Denver: Tips for Making Them Better
Denver is a city known for its traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Here are some of the worst commutes in the area and tips for making them better.
Worst Commutes in Denver
Dillinating over the highways, interstates, and major routes, the traffic in Denver can be horrendous. Here’s a quick breakdown of the worst commutes:
I-25 Corridor
Northbound: Heavy traffic between downtown and the northern suburbs, particularly during morning rush hours.
Southbound: Congestion near the Tech Center and in the Castle Rock area.
I-70
Particular congestion can be seen on weekends heading to the mountains, especially during ski season.
I-225
Heavy traffic between I-25 and the Aurora area, particularly during rush hours.
US 36
Congestion between Boulder and Denver is common, especially during weekday mornings and afternoons.
Colfax Avenue
This route is known for frequent delays due to traffic signals and high pedestrian activity.
Tips for Improving Your Commute
Regardless of the route you take, there are several strategies that can help you make your commute in Denver more manageable and less stressful.
Flexible Work Hours
Adjusting your work hours to avoid peak traffic times can significantly reduce stress and travel time. Employers are increasingly accommodating flexible schedules to help employees manage their commutes more effectively.
Use Public Transportation
Consider the RTD light rail or bus services to avoid the stress of driving during rush hour. The RTD offers frequent services and a relatively reliable system that can help you avoid traffic.
Carpooling
Share rides with colleagues or use carpooling apps like SlackRides or CarpoolWorld. This can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and save you money on gas and parking.
Telecommuting
Work from home when possible to eliminate the commute entirely. Technology today allows for efficient remote work, so consider proposing a flexible work-from-home option to your employer.
Stay Informed
Use traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze to check real-time traffic conditions and find the best routes. Understanding real-time traffic can help you avoid congested areas and save time.
Plan for Delays
Allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours, or when weather conditions may affect traffic. Planning ahead can reduce the anxiety and frustration of being late.
Make the Most of Your Commute
To make the most of your commute, take advantage of passengers making use of this often-unutilized time. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks, which can make your journey more enjoyable and educational.
Consider Alternative Routes
Explore side streets or less congested highways that may take longer but have less traffic. This can be particularly helpful during periods when major highways are experiencing chronic phantom traffic jams, such as on I-25 from about I-70 to around exit 200 during rush hour.
By implementing these strategies, you can help make your commute in Denver more manageable and less stressful. Whether you're navigating I-25, I-70, I-225, US 36, or Colfax Avenue, these tips can help you cope with the city’s notorious traffic congestion. For many residents, utilizing the “Light Rail” train is the best advice to avoid the stress of driving during peak hours.