, drivers in Colorado Springs sacrifice eight hours per year stuck in traffic. This statistic ranks them as the 151st most congested city in the country.

It’s worth noting that these statistics derive from 2021, which we spent recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s yet to be seen if traffic patterns will revert to pre-pandemic levels—which hovered around 14 hours lost in traffic. Many working-class residents have converted to remote work and don’t intend to return to the grind of daily commuting.

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Driving to Colorado

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Why is Colorado Springs traffic so bad?

Currently, the traffic levels in Colorado Springs are relatively mild, but a couple of looming factors might imply a change for the worse. Traffic is all about cause and effect, so let’s do some analysis.

Population growth

Every census report over the last century has reported double-digit growth in Colorado Springs. This growth is great for the economy, but what does it do to traffic? The highway system was designed with an estimated population density in mind.

If the population outgrows this estimation, there could be adverse effects on the traffic flow. Future traffic conditions in Colorado Springs could be a major blemish on the city’s reputation.

Major chokepoints

Every city has some streets that tend to be more susceptible to traffic jams than others, and Colorado Springs is no exception.

Here are some roadways to avoid during popular driving times:

Monument Valley Hwy

S Walnut St

N 14th St

W Colorado Ave

S 26th St

Circle Dr

Tourism

Colorado Springs is conveniently located near some of the most popular nature destinations in the country including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Park, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, and Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park.

Popular tourist areas can complicate regular traffic patterns for residents. Tourists add more cars to the road and are usually distracted by driving instructions. These factors can slow traffic down and even cause unnecessary car accidents.

MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances

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How to navigate Colorado Springs traffic like a pro

Dense traffic can heighten the stress levels of just about anyone. If you could avoid traffic, why wouldn’t you? Well, you’re in luck—we’ve put together a few tips on how to navigate through traffic in Colorado Springs:

Avoid rush hour. Colorado Springs is notoriously busy between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. during the weekdays. If your work schedule allows it, it’s best to stay off the roads while rush-hour runs its course.

Plan ahead. The local news station,

KRDO

, offers a great online resource to check out traffic conditions before hitting the road. Google Maps and Waze are also reliable resources to help you plan your drive.

Stay calm. Letting stress overwhelm you can impair your driving ability. Deep breathing and turning on the AC can help you remain level-headed in highly stressful traffic jams.

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The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

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FAQs

Is Colorado Springs hard to drive in?

Traffic conditions make driving in Colorado Springs a manageable experience. However, the rapidly growing population could soon overwhelm the highway systems. As a result, expect traffic density to increase in the coming years and decades.

What is the best time to drive through Colorado Springs?

As long as you avoid the evening commuting period between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., you should be smooth sailing!

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