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BECKS's avatar
BECKS
Explorer
Oct 20, 2014

I 76 into Denver

We will be taking I 76 into Denver to I 70 headed to Moab, UT. Anything we should be aware of.

7 Replies

  • Lots of construction on I-70 west of Denver. Lots of paving and road closures. We were delayed about 2 hours due to the construction. We were heading eastbound towards Denver in September.
  • BECKS wrote:
    We will be taking I 76 into Denver to I 70 headed to Moab, UT. Anything we should be aware of.


    Rough road (76) as many have said, if you are not in a big hurry and enjoy driving on black highways look at sliding off I-70, just out of Denver and taking exit 265 - Rt 58 to Rt 6. this is a beautiful drive that follows Clear Creek to Idaho Springs and rejoins I-70, A drive we always take and goes through 6 tunnels as you follow the Creek up to Idaho Springs.

    When you enter Utah look to get off I-70 on exit 214 to take Rt 128 along the Colorado River into Moab.

    These are two drives I will never drive too often Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Last but not least the I-70 over under just outside of Glenwood Springs has some great pullouts along the Colorado River.

    I could go on and on but just a couple of highlights for you.

    BOL,
  • Thanks guys, we will try to hit it around noon. Sad that those still working are always in such a hurry.
  • BECKS wrote:
    We will be taking I 76 into Denver to I 70 headed to Moab, UT. Anything we should be aware of.


    As noted, lack of services. Julesburg, where you get on, Sterling next, then Fort Morgan...not too much in between. From Ft Morgan on in to the Metro area, you'll find more services.

    Road surface can be a bit bumpy, but they did some construction on it in the recent past, so not as bad as it was. More of the "porpoising" than anything, even when driving solo.

    Traffic will be fast, so keep that in mind if you're like most of us and tend to be in the 60ish range. Speed limit is 75 and most cars will be doing more like 85, so keep an eye on those specks in your mirrors as they get rapidly closer!

    Once you get into the Metro, particularly west of I-25, the road surface is...interesting. Sort of buckles and bows in places, particularly around and between Pecos/Federal/Sheridan exits (each about 1 mile apart). Speeds will also decrease some, though not a whole lot, but it's depending on the traffic volume. Where I-76 merges with I-70 to just about to Golden, you'll have 5-6 lanes to choose from, goes down to 3 lanes in the Golden area.

    One accident, however, is a game changer and traffic slows to a crawl. And accidents can be frequent. Heads up for that!
  • I-76 in the early morning can be bumper to bumper traffic by Denver.We go to Golden twice a year. I-70 is a really nice ride. Enjoy your trip.
  • It is a little rougher than I-80 in stretches. Also not to many good services until almost into Denver. But overall, a good drive.

    Good Flying J at exit 107 I believe on I-80 just before the I-76 turn.