Slick roads expected for the morning commute along much of the Front Range

Travel Advisory

Nov. 3,2024 - Central Colorado - Motorists urged to plan ahead for adverse travel conditions

Denver — As temperatures drop along the Front Range, rain is expected to turn to snow overnight Sunday, bringing moderate to heavy snowfall to the northern foothills, the Palmer Divide and I-25 south of Castle Rock to Monument. The Denver metro area may see a few inches of snow accumulation as the storm progresses. Motorists should be prepared for slick road conditions for the Monday morning commute.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead, monitor road conditions by going to COtrip.org and check out the weather before they head out the door. Give extra time and drive like it is winter again. That means take it slower, leave plenty of space behind the vehicle ahead, and watch for slick areas particularly on bridges, overpasses, ramps and shady areas.

CDOT crews have been out in force preparing for and responding to the storm with 130 plows out in the Denver metro region alone, which includes the I-70 corridor to the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT). More plows are out in other areas of the state that are impacted.

Severe weather conditions started to impact the I-70 mountain corridor on Sunday. Several tractor-trailers spun out causing safety closures on I-70 from west of the EJMT to Vail. The blast of winter weather is a reminder to all drivers that they must be prepared for driving in the snow at any time, particularly on the I-70 mountain corridor. Tractor-trailers must put on chains when the chain law is in effect and passenger vehicles must have the appropriate tires for the weather and make sure their vehicles are ready for winter.

The storm is expected to taper off Monday afternoon for most of the Front Range except for southern Colorado and the southern foothills, where impacts will last into Monday evening.

Stuck tractor trailers along the I-70 mountain corridor west of the EJMT Sunday afternoon.
Stuck tractor trailers along the I-70 mountain corridor west of the EJMT Sunday afternoon.

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!