Colorado Division of Transportation Urges Drivers To AVOID TRAVEL – CBS Denver

DENVER (CBS4)– The Colorado Department of Transportation urges motorists to avoid traveling during the winter storm this weekend. If drivers have weekend plans, CDOT says, be ready to arrive early and crouch.

CDOT said that since there can be severe buildup along Interstate 70, Interstate 25, and other freeway corridors in the Foothills and Front Range, drivers should only drive when absolutely necessary.

(Credit: Colorado Department of Transportation)

“Those typical day trips that people often do back and forth to Counties Summit and Eagle are just not going to be so safe. This is the weekend to prepare for a hotel reservation, find a condo reservation to book, and stay with friends. We want people to get there on Friday and stay there, ”said Matt Inzeo, CDOT communications director.

A snow plow drives down Highway 36 to warn of the winter weather on September 8, 2020. (Photo credit: ELI IMADALI / AFP via Getty Images)

According to CBS4 meteorologist Ashton AltieriThe powerful winter storm, moving from the west coast, should get close enough to Colorado to cause a surge of snow Friday night through Saturday morning. During this time (after midnight Friday evening) traveling becomes difficult.

In many areas, travel may become impossible, conditions for farm animals and pets outside become dangerous, and power outages over the weekend are possible.

CDOT says while the big storm requires all practical decks, plowers in the highlands are used to it.

“We actually have a lot of experience in dealing with snowstorms of this magnitude. It’s never fun when they last for days. Crews can get tired, but we have muscle memories again. We know how to deal with it. Much of it ensures that the traveling audience knows what to expect, ”said Inzeo.

The biggest difference for plow operators this time? A majority will focus their attention on the Front Range rather than the mountains.

The general snow forecast for Friday through Sunday is 1 to 3 feet along the Front Range. The highest amounts are obtained in the foothills and along the Palmer Divide in Counties Douglas and Elbert. But the total number of snowfalls could easily exceed 12 inches even in Denver.

(Credit: Colorado Department of Transportation)

“This time they will come over the mountains and obviously not leave them alone, but just shift these resources more towards the front range and shape them so that we have as much equipment and as many people as possible in the region thick of things. “

For those needing to travel, CDOT will have courtesy patrols, the majority of which will be stationed along I-25.

“We’ll be there to help people who need it. We prefer, however, when you don’t need to be on the road, just make these plans ahead of time.”

Inzeo said that roads could also be closed to clear snow. So, if you find that you have an important trip to take, now is a good time to toss a shovel, blanket, and other emergency preparation items into the back of your car.

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Additional information from CDOT:

• If you’re planning on touring the I-70 mountain corridor for a weekend in the mountains, get to your destination before the storm before Friday night.
• Regardless of your destination, get there before the storm hits.
• Avoid driving on affected roads throughout the Denver subway area on the I-70 Mountain Corridor and I-25 South Gap construction zone between Castle Rock and Monument during the storm. CDOT will likely close these streets for safety reasons, depending on the severity of the storm.
• It is also possible that I-70 east of Airpark Road and other roads in the Eastern Plains may be closed depending on the severity of the storm.
• CDOT crews will be in place, plowing roads, focusing on clearing I-25, I-70 and the affected highways. You will be driving multiple passes on these roads during the storm and will not be able to plow the secondary routes until the worst of the storm is over. This means that many roads can be covered in heavy snow, which creates dangerous driving conditions.
• During heavy and heavy snowstorms, travel should be limited to emergencies and essential reasons with the right vehicle and tires for heavy snowfall. Do not attempt to drive in such weather conditions unless you have the appropriate tires with good tread. Drivers should leave enough space behind the vehicle in front and not pass plows. If you’re in a storm, have an emergency kit with blankets, food, batteries, water, a shovel, and survival supplies in case you get stuck or stranded.
• It is best to stay clear of the roads during a heavy snow event.
• For more information on preparing for the snow, chain, and traction laws, as well as other hints about the winter storm, see winter.codot.gov

A CDOT snow plow drives towards Monarch Pass on January 10, 2017. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson / The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Some persistent snow could last through Monday, but the build-up should be completed by sunrise on Monday. Then the focus will be on cool, sub-par temperatures for much of the next week, which should last through at least Thursday or Friday.