Winter Weather, I-25 Work Zones Call for Driver Awareness

December 12, 2016 - Denver Metro Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is reminding drivers who travel Interstate 25 near Arapahoe Road to drive slowly and avoid distractions, especially with temporary traffic patterns in conjunction with recent precipitation and occasional sun glare.

These factors can make it difficult to decipher lane lines. CDOT will be providing advance notification of the potential hazard with messages on its electronic sign boards, alerting motorists of new traffic patterns and to anticipate slower speeds.

Other driver recommendations include:

  • Making sure the windshield is clean – inside and out
  • Wearing a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading
  • Using the edge of the highway and vehicles beside you to help guide you
  • Driving in the tracks of the car in front of you
  • Expecting traffic slowdowns and adjusting your speed to avoid sudden reactions
  • Verifying tires are adequate for winter driving conditions
  • Letting off the accelerator and slowing down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes, if suddenly blinded by the sun
  • Always wearing your seat belt – and making sure all passengers buckle up, too
  • Increasing your following distance- this way it is easier to react

The I-25 and Arapahoe Road project team will close lanes on southbound and northbound I-25 tonight, Monday, Dec. 12 between Dry Creek and Orchard roads to restripe lane lines. Lane reductions will begin at 8 p.m., with only one lane open in each direction starting at midnight. All lanes will reopen by 5:30 Tuesday morning.

CDOT also is reminding drivers of Colorado’s Move-It Law, a joint effort between CDOT and law enforcement agencies to encourage motorists to follow a state law requiring a driver involved in a minor accident on interstates to move their vehicle immediately out of traffic to a safe location.  The insurance industry also encourages compliance with the Move It law, reassuring drivers there will still be a full investigation of the crash to determine fault.

“Many people are apprehensive about moving their vehicle after an accident, worried they’re jeopardizing their insurance coverage,” says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.  “However, when it comes to safety, the industry fully supports taking actions that reduce potential hazards to drivers, first and foremost.”

Road conditions can change quickly this time of year.  Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by going to www.cotrip.org.  Updates also are available via e-mail or text.  Please visitwww.codot.gov and click on the envelope icon in the lower right-hand corner.