A snowy day in Leadville, Colorado. Photo by Hart Van Denburg/CPR News.
The worst impacts of the season’s first far-reaching winter storm has passed through Colorado, but slushy roads could turn into ice for the evening commute through the rest of the night.
The Colorado Department of Transportation urges motorists to use extreme caution in icy conditions, maintain slower speeds and keep ample space between vehicles. Motorists are encouraged to visit COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app to stay informed on the latest road conditions.
CDOT crews have been out in full force prior to the start of the storm and will keep clearing Colorado interstates and highways until they are dry. Some mountain corridors such as Monarch, Cochetopa and Wolf Creek Passes in southwest Colorado, may see snow rates exceed 2 inches per hour later this afternoon through the early evening, and pavement recovery will not arrive until Thursday.
What motorists need to know:
- Plan ahead, check local weather and go to COtrip.org for the latest road conditions.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and double your commute time for Wednesday evening.
- 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.
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.