Motorists don’t let your guard down! CDOT is geared up for more snow this weekend

Travel Advisory

March 20, 2021 - Statewide News - Plan ahead and avoid driving Sunday evening in the mountains and Monday morning for the foothills and Front Range

STATEWIDE —  Just a week after much of Colorado dug out from a large snowstorm,  another round of snow is expected this weekend. Springtime snow showers are forecast over the northern and central mountains Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. Light snow showers are expected to develop over the foothills Sunday with snow over the foothills and Palmer Divide.  The heaviest snowfall is forecast for Sunday evening through midnight, with four to nine inches along the I-70 mountain corridor east of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel and six to ten inches along the I-25 corridor at Monument Hill.  Metro Denver could see accumulations Sunday night from two to eight inches. 

“Springtime in the Rockies means more snow and motorists can’t let their guard down when traveling to and from their mountain destinations,” said John Lorme, CDOT Director of Maintenance and Operations.  “If you are traveling the I-70 mountain corridor on Sunday, plan ahead and avoid driving when the worst of the storm hits.  This goes for the I-25 South Gap area as well. Whether it is feet or inches of snow, driving conditions can be slick and treacherous.”

What motorists need to know:

  • Plan ahead and monitor the weather and road conditions before you head out.

  • Avoid driving when the worst of the storm hits, which is Sunday night on the I-70 mountain corridor east of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

  • Avoid driving on the I-25 South Gap construction zone (Castle Rock to Monument) on Sunday, particularly Sunday night where up to ten inches of snow could impact Monument Hill. 

  • Give yourself extra time for Monday morning’s commute for the Denver metro region. 

  • If you are out in the storm, make sure you are prepared for bad weather, have an emergency kit and the appropriate tires for the weather.

  • Road closures are possible depending on the severity of the weather. 

  • Give yourself extra time, take it slow and leave ample following space.

  • DON’T PASS THE PLOWS!

  • For more information on preparing for the snow, chain and traction laws and other winter storm related guidance, go to winter.codot.gov.

Stay Informed 

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:

About Winter Wise

CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.