(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is making sure drivers are prepared for the influx of travelers to the high country this weekend, and warned that there is a chance for record-breaking traffic along the I-70 mountain corridor. According to CDOT, beginning Friday, Jan. 3 through Sunday, Jan. 5, drivers on I-70 should expect heavy traffic and potentially long delays near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels in both directions, especially between Summit County and the Front Range. According to CDOT's website, based on its historical log of traffic data from the 2019/2020 season, when New Year’s was last celebrated on a Wednesday, several records were set for travelers through the mountain corridor. While in 2020, the mountains experienced major snow storms leading into the holiday, CDOT said regardless of the amount of snow this weekend, drivers should still expect delays. "CDOT predicts that these smaller snow events [this weekend] will still drive ski traffic, which will be combined with holiday travel creating a recipe for heavy traffic." CDOT: The below records were set over the New Year’s weekend in 2020 Friday, Jan. 3: The fifth highest combined 24-hour traffic count for both eastbound and westbound traffic with 55,224 vehicles passing through the tunnels. Friday, Jan. 3: Highest combined eastbound and westbound hourly count through the tunnels with 6,259 vehicles traveling through at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3: Highest eastbound hourly count with 4,076 vehicles traveling through the tunnel at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4: Second highest combined eastbound and westbound hourly count through the tunnels with 5,850 vehicles driving through at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4: Third highest eastbound hourly count with 3,762 through the tunnel at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, through Sunday, Jan. 5: Fifth highest non-holiday winter weekend (Friday through Sunday) with 154,541 vehicles traveling through the tunnels. For comparison, in January 2023 an average daily total of 36,373 vehicles passed through the tunnels for the entire month. "While traffic counts could vary this weekend compared to 2020, there is a high chance that traffic counts and volume will be similar or may exceed the records set four years ago," CDOT wrote. "Motorists should be prepared for extended delays and map out their travel strategy beforehand if they need to be somewhere at a specific time." CDOT: Plan ahead with these travel options Visit COtrip.org or download the #COtrip Planner app for road conditions Book with Bustang, Snowstang, and Pegasus services at ridebustang.com Use the Winter Park Express Safely carpool with TreadShare For more winter travel tips or information on chain and traction laws, visit COtrip.org.