WINTER TRAVEL UPDATE
Road conditions are treacherous this morning as a major snow storm impacts the Front Range and north and east of Denver. CDOT plows are making multiple passes on the interstates and major routes. With the snow falling at a fast rate, roads quickly become snow covered and difficult to drive on. Snowfall is most severe north of Denver from Boulder to the Wyoming state line but is significant throughout the Denver metro area as well.
The Eastern Plains are under a blizzard warning through most of the day where high winds are expected to make visibility very difficult.
While the brunt of the storm is mostly impacting the Front Range and the northeastern part of the state, please be aware that this is a statewide storm and causing hazardous driving conditions across the state and every mountain pass. Chain and passenger traction laws are in place across the state, particularly on the I-70 mountain corridor.
Do not consider going out unless your vehicle is equipped for the snow. Winter tires with adequate tread is essential. You must take it slow, do not pass plows, leave a safe space behind the vehicle ahead and expect road closures.
I-70 in both directions is closed from east of Denver to Burlington. I-76 is closed from Lochbuie to Sterling, and Commercial Motor Vehicle chain law is in effect on I-25 between Monument and Lincoln Ave., south of Denver. Several other roads are closed in northeastern Colorado. Latest information on road closures and conditions is on cotrip.org.
Here are the following closures as of 6:30 a.m.
- US 287 Ted's Place to Wyoming
- EB/WB US 36 Estes Park (mm 1-mm 10)
- WB US 36 from Blue Mtn. Rd to Estes Park
- EB/WB I-76 from Lochbuie to Sterling
- US 34 Wiggins to Kersey
- CO 52 Hudson to Wiggins
- NB/SB CO 71 Limon to Brush
- EB/WB I-70 Airpark Rd to Burlington
- NB US 385 at Burlington
- EB/WB CO 86 from Kiowa to I-70
- CO 52 from Fort Morgan (mm 88) to CO 14 east of Raymer (mm 111)
- US 160 La Veta Pass
Adverse road conditions are expected to continue through this afternoon. Thanksgiving travel should be delayed until tomorrow. Holiday traffic tomorrow is expected to be heavy, particularly on the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
CDOT has canceled all Bustang schedules today due to the worsening weather and road conditions along the Front Range Urban Corridor. Bustang will resume services tomorrow.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- CDOT road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
- CDOT travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
- CDOT Social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot
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