Independence Pass to Remain Closed Over Weekend

November 1, 2013 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - CDOT will re-assess conditions Monday morning; pass may not open again prior to annual closing date of Nov. 7.

LAKE/PITKIN COUNTIES – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) had closed Independence Pass on the morning of October 31 due to the snowfall and adverse conditions (more than six inches of snow and snow drifts up to four feet high). The pass closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles.

With several more inches of snow overnight (now measure up to 10 inches in some areas), blowing snow continuing, and a storm forecasted for Sunday/Monday, CDOT will be keeping the pass closed over the weekend. On Monday, crews will determine if a re-opening of the pass is feasible and safe prior to the target November 7 closure.

At this point, it is likely that this early seasonal closure will remain in place, but motorists are advised to check CDOT’s traveler information site at www.cotrip.org before making their travel plans. For road condition information, the public may also call 511 from anywhere in the state.

The 12,095-foot pass is closed for the winter every year for the safety of the traveling public. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting. The alternate route to Aspen during the months Independence Pass is closed is I-70 to Glenwood Springs, and SH 82 into Aspen.

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Ice and snow….take it slow!