Crews perform tow recovery operations tomorrow on US 40 in Hayden Canyon

Travel Advisory

August 19, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Motorists traveling between Steamboat Springs and Hayden should plan for lengthy delays
A wreckage from a semi-truck crash that occurred July 19 on US 40 in Hayden Canyon
CDOT Photo | On August 20, crews will clear wreckage from a semi-truck crash that occurred July 19 on US 40 in Hayden Canyon, approximately 16 miles west of Steamboat Springs.

Routt County - Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Dillon Towing & Recovery will perform operations to remove commercial semi-truck wreckage from beside US Highway 40 in Hayden Canyon, approximately eight miles east of Hayden. Recovery operations are anticipated to last several hours and motorists should plan for lengthy delays, full stops, and one-lane alternating traffic.

Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. motorists traveling between Hayden and Steamboat Springs will be stopped on either side of the crash site located at Mile Point 116. Motorists should plan for alternating traffic and 20 to 30 minute delays for most of the day. A full highway closure with up to 45 minute delays may be necessary to load the wreckage once it has been hoisted onto the highway.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during the one-day tow operation and check COtrip.org for the latest road closure updates

Map of the tow recovery operations on US 40, between Hayden and Steamboat Springs
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Travel Alert Map of the tow recovery operations taking place Tuesday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on US 40, between Hayden and Steamboat Springs.

Traffic Impacts

One-day recovery operations will take place Tuesday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Motorists should plan for up to 45 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time
  • Vehicles will be guided by flagging personnel and signs
  • A speed reduction of 40 mph will be enforced through the work zones

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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!