CDOT strongly urges motorists to plan now and AVOID TRAVELING during a major snowstorm predicted to blanket roads along the foothills and Front Range

STATEWIDE — With the potential of a high-impact snow storm in the forecast this weekend, CDOT is urging motorists to keep a close watch on the weather and road conditions and plan to stay off the roads during the storm.  

The forecast has a wide range of accumulations from one to three feet of snow in and around the Denver region, particularly the western and southern areas.  Heavier snow may fall over the foothills and east of the Continental Divide.  The most severe impacts are expected for the lower elevations.  The storm is expected to hit late Friday and last through the weekend.  The last time a storm like this swept the state was in 2003 with up to six feet in parts of the foothills. 

Heavy accumulations are possible along I-70, I-25 and other highway corridors in the foothills and the Front Range.  Heavy snow is expected along the I-70 mountain corridor to the Eisenhower Memorial Johnson Tunnel.  

Here is what motorists need to know:

• If you are planning to travel the I-70 mountain corridor for a weekend in the mountains, head to your destination BEFORE the storm, before Friday evening.  

• Regardless of your destination, get there before the storm hits. 

• AVOID traveling on impacted roads during the storm, throughout the Denver metro area, on the I-70 Mountain Corridor and I-25 South Gap construction zone between Castle Rock and Monument.  CDOT is likely to close these roadways for safety reasons depending on the severity of the storm.

• It is also possible I-70 east of Airpark Road and other roadways in the Eastern Plains may close depending on the severity of the storm. 

• CDOT crews will be out in force and plowing roads, focusing on clearing I-25, I-70 and impacted interstates.  They will make multiple passes on these roads during the storm and will not be able to plow the secondary routes until the worst of the storm has passed.  This means many roadways could be heavily snow packed, making for hazardous driving conditions.

• During a significant and high impact snow storm, travel should be limited to emergency and essential reasons with the proper vehicle and tires for heavy snow.  DO NOT ATTEMPT to drive in such weather conditions unless you have the appropriate tires with good tread. Motorists should leave ample distance behind the vehicle ahead and NOT PASS PLOWS.  If you are out in the storm, have an emergency kit with blankets, food, batteries, water, a shovel and survival supplies should you get stuck or stranded.  

• It’s best to STAY OFF THE ROADS DURING A HEAVY SNOW EVENT.

• 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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org 

• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts

• Scheduled lane closures

• Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

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.  

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.