**TRAVEL ADVISORY**  Traction Law implemented from Utah border to Gypsum on I-70

January 9, 2017 - Statewide Transportation – Icy conditions and freezing temperatures that persist over much of the western part of the state has required the Traction Law (Code 15) to be implemented from the Utah border (mp 0) to Gypsum (mp 140).

CDOT has several sections of the Interstate in Mesa County closed at this time:

  • Exit 31 Horizon Drive closure is in place from mile point 29-31.

  • Exit 26 Traffic is being diverted through Grand Junction and back to Clifton to get on I-70.

  • De Beque canyon is icy and snow packed from mile point 46-68.

Other areas of Northwest Colorado are also seeing adverse conditions including CO 13 (Rifle to Craig), US 50 (Grand Junction/Delta/Montrose) and CO 141.

Motorists should be aware that when the Traction Law (Code 15) is in effect, highway signage will be activated.

·      Traction Law — Motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel drive vehicle — all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.

Without proper equipment, you can be fined $130. If your vehicle blocks the roadway, you could be fined more than $650.

Safety closures are full closures of the interstate. They are conducted to protect life and property or implemented to reduce the probability of incidences occurring. A safety closure may be initiated by local Law Enforcement, Colorado State Patrol, or CDOT. It may also be temporarily established by Fire or EMS. CDOT has broad authority to close any portion of a state highway to traffic due to a natural disaster, weather conditions, or any other emergency circumstances resulting in making road conditions unsafe for travel by motor vehicles.  That authority includes closing a road to traffic if adequate tire chains or snow tires are determined to be necessary.

CDOT is reminding motorists to consult the department’s traveler information tools:  



  • Visit www.COTRIP.org to view road conditions, travel alerts and track our snow plows;

  • Call 511 anywhere in Colorado for periodically updated road conditions;

  • Sign up for GovDelivery alerts;

  • Follow CDOT on Twitter and Facebook (though the latter will not provide the most up-to-date news and conditions).