The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that the most severe effects of the season’s first widespread winter storm have passed, but drivers should expect slushy roads to freeze and become icy during the evening commute and overnight. CDOT is advising motorists to drive cautiously in these conditions, reduce speed, and leave extra space between vehicles. For updated road conditions, travelers are encouraged to check COtrip.org or use the COtrip Planner app.
CDOT crews began clearing roads before the storm started and will continue working on Colorado’s interstates and highways until surfaces are dry. In some mountain areas, including Monarch, Cochetopa, and Wolf Creek Passes in southwest Colorado, snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour later this afternoon into early evening. Pavement recovery in these corridors is not expected until Thursday.
According to CDOT, “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.”
