Highway closures in place due to high winds

Boulder - Strong and dangerous winds continue to impact the foothills, particularly in Boulder County, with gusts still reaching up to 80 MPH in some locations. As a result, several highways are currently closed due to unsafe conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Motorists should expect sudden changes in travel conditions and consider delaying non-essential trips.

Closures currently in place include:

• CO 93 both directions from 64th Ave (Arvada) to CO 170
• CO 72 both directions from CO 7 to Ward Road
• US 36 both directions from Boulder to Lyons
• CO 128 both directions from CO 93 to McCaslin Boulevard

More highway closures could occur based on wind conditions. Motorists are urged to visit COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app before hitting the roads.

In addition to closures, the ongoing high winds may cause traffic signal outages. Drivers should be prepared to encounter intersections without working signals and must know how to proceed safely.

What to do at an intersection without working traffic signals

If traffic lights are experiencing a power outage, drivers must treat it as a four-way stop:

• Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the intersection
• Vehicles proceed one at a time, in the order they arrived
• If two vehicles arrive at the same, the driver on the right goes first
• Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists already in the crosswalk
• Make eye contact when possible and proceed cautiously - do not assume others will stop

Additional safety reminders

• Reduce speeds and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel
• Be alert for debris, downed signs and sudden gusts - especially on overpasses, bridges and straightaway highways
• High-profile vehicles, including trucks, vans and vehicles towing trailers, should avoid travel when closures or restrictions are in place
• Commercial drivers are reminded to ensure tire chains are properly secured and not dragging, which can create sparks and increase wildfire risk during dry, windy conditions

Today’s conditions are creating a particularly dangerous situation for potential rapid wildfire spread in the areas most impacted by the wind, therefore, proper disposal of cigarette butts and securing trailer chains to prevent sparks is mandatory.

CDOT crews alongside local and state agencies are actively monitoring conditions and responding as needed. Travelers should check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app for current highway closures, restrictions and real-time travel updates.

About CDOT’s Division of Maintenance and Operations

The vision of the Division of Maintenance & Operations (DMO) is to create one integrated division. The division focus is on real-time maintenance and operations services, as well as near-term improvement projects. We can best support the crucial work of our five CDOT regions. Our support helps to provide the optimal service and safety for the traveling public in Colorado. CDOT’s DMO - we do more than you think.

Download the COtrip App!

The new 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!