Winter storm to impact mountain roadways

Colorado - The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning travelers to brace and plan accordingly for upcoming winter storms starting today and through the weekend. Adverse weather is expected to affect travel throughout the state with significant snowfall and potentially hazardous conditions in the high country, including the I-70 Mountain Corridor, and mountain passes.

The storm is expected to affect a large portion of our state, especially areas west of the Continental Divide. It will bring colder temperatures and heavy snowfall that will cause rapid snow accumulation and icing on road surfaces, even in the mountain valleys.

Given the expected snowfall amounts and strong winds, travel will be hazardous, especially throughout the mountains. Motorists contemplating heading to the ski slopes this weekend should ensure they are prepared and may want to consider reserving a lodging as evening travel is going to be especially impacted.

Heavy snowfall will begin midday today and continue through Sunday. Portions of the I-70 Mountain Corridor, including Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, Vail Pass and US 40 over Berthoud Pass may see up to a foot of snow. Northern mountain passes, such as Rabbit Ears on US 40, could see up to two feet of snow. Winds are also forecasted to exceed 50 MPH, which is expected to make conditions more extreme with blowing snow reducing visibility and potentially causing deep drifts across roadways.

Motorists who plan to travel are urged to ensure their vehicle is Winter Wise, including proper tire tread and a well-stocked emergency kit. More information, including emergency preparedness checklists for vehicles, is located on the CDOT Winter Wise web page at codot.gov/travel/winter-driving.

CDOT urges motorists to travel with caution, as they will encounter delays due to adverse weather, difficult driving conditions and potential road closures. Heavy accumulations of snow will likely mean winter operations will be required to keep mountain passes safe for the traveling public. Travelers are urged to visit COtrip.org, the COtrip Planner app or the new I-70 Mountain Corridor travel page for real-time conditions.

Stay Informed:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
• I-70-specific information: I-70 Mountain Corridor
• Connect with us on social media: X at coloradodot and Facebook at coloradodot

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.