Storm Update

News Release

March 19, 2020 - Statewide News

Metro Denver - CDOT urges motorists to drive with extreme caution as the winter storm progresses in the Denver metro area later today.  Snowfall will be heavy at times which could compromise visibility, so please drive slowly and carefully. While roads in Denver will be mostly wet through the morning, conditions are expected to deteriorate through the day with slushy roads in the metro area, blizzard conditions along the I-25 corridor south of Denver to Monument and high winds with dangerous impacts east of Denver.   

 What motorists need to know:

  • Avoid non-essential travel on the I-25 corridor between Castle Rock and Monument.  Snowfall Is expected to be heavier here than in the metro area. The speed limit on this stretch will be lowered to 45 miles per hour.  Please adhere to the lower speed limit. 
  • High profile vehicles should be prepared for high winds east of Denver and avoid travel during the worst of the storm.  Winds could reach 50-55 miles per hour at times, on the eastern plains. 
  • Be very careful before driving through the I-70 mountain corridor.  Note that, should you have to stop along portions of the I-70 mountain corridor, there are limited to no accommodations in many of the resort and mountain communities due to COVID-19.  This means motorists could have nowhere to stop if snow intensifies along the mountain corridor. 
  • Your actions to reduce travel along the mountain corridor will greatly help plowing efforts and keep the road open for essential travel by freight to deliver goods to stores.  Remember to comply with all traction laws if you are driving in the mountain corridor. Motorists driving too fast and not prepared to drive in the snow due to inadequate tires are the key reasons for closures. 

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: