From Colorado State Patrol; March 2, 2024
A Major Winter Storm Is Moving In
Avoid Travel On I-70 and Hwy 40 In The High Country
(COLO) The Colorado State Patrol and CDOT are gearing up for a major winter storm. We anticipate heavy snow accumulation and wind gusts above 50 MPH in the high country. The most impacted roadways will be Berthoud pass on US Highway 40 and Eisenhower and Vail Passes on Interstate 70.
Extreme winds during a heavy snowstorm dramatically reduce driver’s visibility and creates ice on wet and snow packed roads that is difficult for CDOT snow removal crews to stay on top of. CDOT is preparing in advance but anticipates a challenging weekend Saturday evening into Sunday.
Please avoid making unnecessary trips in these areas. Stranded motorists present additional challenges and dangers to our CDOT crews, law enforcement and the motorists themselves. Communication systems can be compromised during major weather events making it even more difficult to identify a stranded motorist and begin rescuing them. If you must travel pack and prepare accordingly for potential extended delays. Make certain your vehicle and snow tires are in good working order and monitor the COTRIP app for the latest updates.
From Colorado Department of Transportation; March 2, 2024.
— Winter Travel Alert —
Safety closures likely along I-70 and US 40 overnight Saturday and into Sunday
Forecasted snow and high winds will result in poor visibility creating unsafe conditions for travel
Statewide – Heavy mountain snow and strong winds are expected to produce difficult travel in the northern mountains Saturday evening through Monday morning. Snowfall amounts of 8 to 15 inches are possible along with significant blowing snow with wind gusts of 50 to 70 miles per hour. Strong winds along with the projected snowfall will create whiteout conditions and zero visibility resulting in the likelihood of safety closures for Interstate 70 and US Highway 40 overnight through Sunday. The closure of US 40, if necessary, will enable crews to safely conduct winter maintenance operations on Berthoud Pass .
Motorists should be prepared for slick conditions through the mountains and should ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter weather conditions, including making sure their tires will pass Traction Law requirements. Visibility may be greatly reduced due to blowing snow. Travelers are strongly encouraged to drive for the conditions including reducing speed and allowing for ample space between their car and the one ahead of them.
Motorists are urged to download the free COtrip Planner app to get the latest updates on road conditions and closures. Motorists should be prepared for the chance of closures and pack extra blankets, clothing, food, water and entertainment. CDOT maintenance crews will be working diligently to clear the roadways of snow and ice until the roads are clear. Motorists are urged to have patience around our plow operators and never pass plows on the right.
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 (see 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 codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. 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:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
- Chain and traction law information: www.codot.gov/admin/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
- Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us