Fifty percent increase in traffic expected on Pikes Peak Highway after Cog Railway closure

The Pikes Peak Highway, normally busy with traffic heading to and from the summit, is about to get much busier with the closing of the popular Cog Railway.

Colorado Springs officials are preparing for a 50 percent increase in traffic on the highway now that 300,000 visitors who usually travel on the railway will be unable to do so for the rest of the year.

The city plans to increase staff at the entry gate to help ease congestion and wait times, especially during the peak summer season.

There also will be limited parking at the summit because of increased traffic and the expected start of construction on a new summit house.

The city plans to operate a shuttle bus between the summit and Devil’s Playground — 3 miles below the summit — as well as possibly use Glen Clove — 4 miles lower — for overflow parking.

Also planned is hiring more rangers to patrol the highway and having state troopers help with traffic control where the highway intersects U.S. 24 in Cascade.

Some drivers are skeptical that the plan will work, especially during the peak summer tourist season.

Highway manager Jack Glavan understands the skepticism.

“We’re certainly concerned about it,” he said Thursday. “Last July 3, we had the busiest day we’ve ever had. Traffic was backed up on (U.S.) 24 for hours as people tried to turn onto the highway. And that was during the busiest year we’ve ever had. We ask for people to be understanding and patient, and don’t let the situation discourage them from coming to the mountain.”

Traffic backups could block the driveways and parking lots of nearby homes and businesses.

“It’s a problem that goes all the way down Ute Pass,” said homeowner Susie Hunt. “It’s been a problem for the past two years. The easiest solution is to bring the Cog Railway back. But they need to find a way to get rid of the long lines at the gate.”

The narrow, winding, two-lane highway can’t be widened.

“We’ll look at increasing the number of lanes at the gate from three to four,” Glavan said. “But for now, we’ll just try to be as efficient as we can.”

Glavan said the expected 50 percent increase translates into 50,000 vehicles spread out during the year but most of the vehicles will be coming during summer.