US 40 Craig to Steamboat Springs closed due to flooding

Travel Advisory

April 13, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Afternoon closure may be necessary on US 40 Berthoud Pass due to avalanche conditions
Morning flooding on Thursday, April 13 along US 40 in Hayden
Morning flooding on Thursday, April 13 along US 40 in Hayden

Clear Creek, Grand, Moffat and Routt Counties — A safety closure is in place for US Highway 40 from Craig to Steamboat Springs due flooding in Hayden. The closure is from Mile Points 92 to 130. Floodwaters are receding, and CDOT anticipates potentially being able to reopen today after 12 p.m. Crews will continue to monitor to assess conditions and determine when it is safe to reopen for the traveling public. Motorists are encouraged to use COtrip.org to determine an alternate route during the closure.

Warm temperatures are melting heavy snowpack from winter storms, and this makes flooding more likely. CDOT crews are regularly monitoring conditions overnight. A review at 2 a.m. this morning triggered the safety closure in place now. Flooding at this location is most likely in the morning hours, additional US 40 closures are possible as spring runoff continues.

A safety closure may be necessary today on another section of US 40. Further east, crews may need to close US 40 Berthoud Pass due to avalanche conditions. Berthoud Pass is near Interstate 70 and the Denver Metro Area. If there are warm temperatures or slides on US 40 Berthoud Pass, a safety closure will be necessary. Avalanches have come down onto the roadway on the north side of the pass earlier this week.

Travel Impacts

Both eastbound and westbound motorists on US 40 are affected by the safety closure between Craig and Steamboat Springs (Mile Points 92-130). The closure will last until at least 12 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Motorists should be aware a closure may be necessary later today on a section of US 40 further east, on US 40 Berthoud Pass. Please see maps below. Travelers are advised to check COtrip.org for the most current information.

Map of possible closure on US 40 Berthoud Pass
Map of possible closure on US 40 Berthoud Pass

Know Before You Go

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:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!