Independence Pass (SH82) opens today at noon!

May 22, 2014 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - With a lot of snow still on the pass, travelers encouraged to check www.cotrip.org before heading out.

LAKE/PITKIN COUNTIES – All has gone even better than planned and weather conditions have stayed calm: the Colorado Department of Transportation will now open Independence Pass two hours ahead of schedule, at noon today. CDOT’s target opening date each year is the Thursday prior to Memorial Day.

CDOT urges travelers to continue to check conditions and travel alerts on www.cotrip.org before heading out, as passes can close temporarily due to adverse conditions. In addition, there is still a good deal of snow that will continue to melt as temperatures on the pass increase. Motorists, particularly motorcyclists, should be mindful of possible icy conditions at times.

CDOT crews will continue the business of keeping this and other state highway mountain passes safe and in good condition for the busy summer season ahead.

TRAVELER SAFETY MESSAGE: Motorists and cyclists are reminded to always check conditions prior to traveling mountain passes, as spring snowstorms could close them temporarily or slow traffic at times. For roadway conditions, or information the public can log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511. Or, sign up to receive FREE road condition messages to e-mail or wireless devices by going to www.coloradodot.info and choosing the green phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.