Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly, leave a safe place behind the vehicle in front, avoid plowing and avoid driving during the height of a storm.
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Said drivers need to be prepared for difficult mountain trips this week as two storm systems bring rain, snow and wind to Colorado.
The first winter storm is expected to drop several inches of snow over Colorado’s Western Slope Mountains on Tuesday, with the bulk of the snow forecast forecast for the southwestern mountains.
Another system will bring additional rain and snow over the northern and central Colorado mountains and even colder temperatures Thursday through Friday.
The storm system from Thursday night to Friday morning is increasingly likely to bring Denver the first snowfall of the winter season. The average first measurable snowfall date in Denver is October 18, so mid-October snow is fairly typical.
TIED TOGETHER: Good chance for snow in Denver later this week
Strong gust winds will occur in the Front Range and the Eastern Plains. According to CDOT, high-profile vehicles are urged to exercise extreme caution and motorists should check COtrip.org for road conditions and weather forecast before the trip.
CDOT is preparing for snowy and icy conditions and difficult travel conditions on the Western Slope. In mountainous areas west of Denver, including I-70, snow can blow up to 60 miles per hour.
CDOT urges motorists to drive slowly, leave a safe place behind the vehicle in front, avoid plowing and avoid driving during the height of a storm.
Travelers should be prepared for Colorado’s chain and traction laws as they are likely to be implemented. Motorists should also ensure their cars are equipped with emergency kits before setting off in the event of a likely road closure. Emergency kits should include chains / alternative traction devices, water, sand / cat litter, torches, jump leads, and blankets.
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From September 1 to May 31, all commercial vehicles traveling on Interstate 70 between Dotsero (Exit 133) and Morrison (Exit 259) must have enough chains on them according to the CDOT to comply with Colorado’s Chain Law. Chains help commercial vehicles to overcome the often steep climbs in the highlands. Without chains, vehicles are often hampered, causing traffic delays and sometimes road closures.
Chain and Traction Laws
If the weather conditions so require, CDOT will activate the traction law. When weather conditions worsen, CDOT activates the chain laws for cars and commercial vehicles. Motorists are made aware of an active traction or chain law by means of motorway signs. COtrip.org and traffic / road condition warnings.
Further information on the requirements of the Traction Act and the Car Chain Act can be found at codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. Further information on the requirements of the Retail Chain Act can be found at codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and see tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.
Know before you go
Travelers are encouraged to “do their research before you leave”. Before you hit the road, gather information about weather forecasts and the expected impact on the journey, as well as the current road conditions. CDOT resources include:
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