Trailers and towed vehicles to be restricted from I-70 west of Golden, other critical locations starting Friday at 4 p.m.

Travel Advisory

Nov. 8, 2024 - Colorado - Road closures into the mountain corridor will be likely Friday into Saturday

Colorado - In advance of the spread of treacherous winter conditions along Interstate 70 near and west of Golden, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin restricting vehicles with any type of trailer from traveling west of Exit 259 beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. This restriction is designed to reduce the chances of semi truck and other impactful spinouts that require extensive manpower and specialized equipment to clear, and often cause prolonged closures of the interstate. Additional roads leaving the Denver Metro area and heading to higher elevations will follow the same restrictions, including US 6, US 40 and US 285 in Jefferson County and points West, as well as I-25 over Monument Hill.

The ongoing winter storm's impacts are expected to reach the Mount Vernon Canyon area around the same time as sunset, which will make travel into the mountains especially hazardous at this time. Even with a trailer restriction, safety closures of I-70 between Golden and Idaho Springs may be necessary, and those closures could be lengthy if vehicles spin out or crash along the roadway. Motorists should make every effort to travel between the Front Range and the mountains either before these conditions arrive in the late afternoon or after the storm passes on Saturday.

Trailer restrictions will be in place along the following I-70 locations:

  • I-70 in both directions from Mile Point 259 (Golden) to 205 (Silverthorne)

Additional Colorado highways with restrictions include:

  • US 285 in both directions from Mile Point 250 (Morrison) to 184 (Fairplay)
  • US 40 in both directions from Mile Point 234 (Winter Park) to 256 (Empire)
  • US 6 in both directions from Mile Point 217 (Keystone) to 229 (Georgetown)
  • I-25 in both directions from Mile Point 180 (South of Plum Creek Pkwy) to 150 (North Academy Boulevard)
National Weather Service Expected Snowfall Accumulation map Nov. 8 through Nov. 10, 2024
National Weather Service map of expected snowfall accumulation statewide as of Nov. 8, 2024

All Summit County ski resorts are scheduled to open for the 2024/2025 ski season this weekend, which will lead to slower travel times - especially given the extreme road conditions expected on the Front Range. Drivers should plan on additional travel time. Skiers and riders are encouraged to carpool whenever possible to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. All travelers should check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app prior to departing for the latest information on any possible closures. The Bustang West Line also offers hourly service along I-70 from Union Station into the mountains.

Throughout the Denver metro area, light to moderate snow is expected through the evening, turning heavy on Friday evening through Saturday morning. Drivers should be prepared for snowy and slushy conditions, with icy roads during the overnight hours.

Winter Travel Tips for Motorists

  • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts and blowing snow due to strong winds
  • Work from home if you can
  • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (review info sources below)
  • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit
  • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance
  • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snow plows

Safety Closures

A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

Chain & Traction Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit freight.colorado.gov/mountain-rules/chain-up-tips. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

The 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!

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: