CDOT Recommending Shelter Sooner rather than Later

April 10, 2019


DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation is strongly recommending that people head home as early as possible today due to the severity and strength of the current storm, and the high potential for major road closures, including to Interstates 25, 70 and 76.

Blizzard conditions are forecast along the entire Front Range, Eastern Plains and the northeastern part of the state, reducing site distances to near zero visibility and highly increasing the probability of crashes.  With the potential for these conditions, CDOT will proactively close highways for the safety of the traveling public.

WHAT MOTORIST NEED TO KNOW

  • IF POSSIBLE - Avoid driving during the storm.

  • Again, if possible, leave early to avoid commuting through the storm this afternoon and evening.

  • If you are out, take it SLOW, leave plenty of room behind the plows and the vehicles ahead and make sure you have appropriate winter tires with good tread for the snow.

  • Be prepared with an emergency kit, including water, food, blankets, extra clothing, etc.

  • Know before you go by checking cotrip.org, Facebook, and Twitter

  • CDOT’s Winter Driving web page provides tips and other information at:

http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving 

SPRING STORM TRAVEL INFORMATION & TIPS

  • Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and

  gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine   

  running periodically to keep warm.

  • If you are stuck in a serious storm do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.

  • Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock de-icer.

  • Remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions, especially if you have inadequate snow tires.

  • Know the chain laws. Chain restrictions in Colorado are most often put into effect for commercial vehicles (semi-trailer trucks).

  • Drive for the conditions. In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents.

  • In addition to these winter driving tips, CDOT reminds all motorists to conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road (including plow trucks). Of course, always buckle up!

Since this storm event is impacting several areas of the state with rain, snow and high winds, the following CDOT communications managers can provide information for specific locations:

Denver Metropolitan Area

Tamara Rollison (720) 483-3933

Bob Wilson (303) 916-1456

Southeastern Colorado

Michelle Peulen (719) 225-0667

Northeastern Colorado

Jared Fiel (970) 302-2846

Northwestern Colorado

Tracy Trulove (970) 366-2502

Southwestern Colorado

Lisa Schwantes (970) 749-2015

CDOT crews plow and treat state maintains roads:  interstates, U.S. highways and state

highways. Motorists often believe that CDOT maintains local and residential roads, including

neighborhood streets. However, cities and counties are responsible for local and residential

roads—not CDOT.