Early season snow could mean slick roads for Wednesday’s Front Range commutes

Statewide - The most far-reaching snow storm of the season thus far is expected to have minimal Front Range impacts Tuesday evening, but may affect Wednesday morning’s commute. The Colorado Department of Transportation urges drivers to check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app before heading out Wednesday morning.

CDOT crews will be deployed throughout Colorado during the storm, clearing roads as snow starts falling Tuesday in Western Colorado and slowly moves from north to south over the eastern part of the state overnight. Commutes along the Front Range from Colorado Springs north to Wyoming may be impacted by the freezing ice that may be hiding under the light snow cover.

“Just like we saw last week, it only takes a little precipitation and those cold temperatures can make roads very slick,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Commuters should allow for extra time getting to work on Wednesday and take it slow.”

What motorists need to know:

• Plan ahead, check local weather and go to COtrip.org for the latest road conditions
• Avoid driving during the brunt of a snowstorm
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and double your commute time for Wednesday morning
• Drive to the conditions, take it slow, leave plenty of following distance and don’t pass plows

Safety Closures

A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

Chain & Traction Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to check if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download.