US 40 Berthoud Pass Open

Winter Travel Alert

January 17, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - With another winter storm underway, travelers are urged to watch closely for road conditions and potential closures

Update (9 a.m., 1/18/2024): US 40 Berthoud Pass continues to be open. CDOT crews successfully completed winter maintenance operations early this morning on the pass. Please see below for photos of work to clear the roadway. The work early this morning required a short planned safety closure, which lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Plows on US 40
Crews reopened the pass on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Colorado — US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass is open. Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation reopened the road on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The pass closed on Sunday, Jan. 14, due to a bank slide, or small avalanche, that came down onto the roadway. Immediately after Sunday’s slide, CDOT and local law enforcement responded rapidly to remove ten vehicles involved in the slide. Crews have worked around the clock during the closure, focusing on removing heavy snow and reducing avalanche danger.

Motorists traveling very early on US 40 Berthoud Pass tomorrow morning (Thursday, Jan. 18), should plan for a short closure for winter maintenance operations. The closure is anticipated to start at 5:30 a.m. If no debris reaches the roadway the closure will last approximately 15 minutes.

Heavy snow during the closure has required several rounds of plowing and avalanche mitigation on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday along US 40 Berthoud Pass. Several bank slides continued during the closure, setting back progress. Another critical factor is weak snowpack underneath the new snow. Weak snowpack increases the chances of slides coming down onto the roadway. Crews were able to conduct operations at night, which helped with snow removal during heavy snowfall. CDOT brought in crews and equipment from other areas of the state to complete the work.

Another winter storm has moved into Northwestern Colorado, with expected impacts on US 40 Berthoud Pass. Heavy snow and wind are anticipated to affect road conditions, potentially causing delays. CDOT strongly encourages drivers to check real-time road conditions at COtrip.org and weather forecasts before traveling. Motorists should drive to conditions and plan for lowered speeds.

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!