CDOT Implements Strict Vehicle Restrictions Due to Severe Winter Storm in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has implemented stringent vehicle restrictions in response to a severe winter storm impacting the state. As of Friday at 4 p.m., vehicles with trailers or those towing another vehicle are prohibited on Interstate 70 in both directions from Golden to Silverthorne. This restriction includes commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, a measure that has been enacted only once before in a similar storm last spring[3][5].

The restrictions are part of a broader effort to ensure safety on Colorado‘s roads, particularly in areas under Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings. Regions north of Highway 50 are under a Winter Weather Advisory, while areas south of Highway 50, including southeastern Colorado and the eastern plains, are under a Winter Storm Warning. CDOT is advising drivers to avoid traveling east of Interstate 25 to the Kansas border and south on I-25 toward the New Mexico border due to potential prolonged road closures.

In addition to I-70, the restrictions apply to several other routes: US 285 in both directions from Morrison to Fairplay, US 40 in both directions from Winter Park to Empire, US 6 in both directions from Keystone to Georgetown, and I-25 in both directions from Plum Creek Parkway to North Academy Boulevard. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of semitrailer and other vehicle spinouts that can cause prolonged road closures[3].

CDOT is urging drivers to stay updated on road conditions and be prepared for long delays. The agency recommends traveling between the Front Range and the mountains either before the storm’s late afternoon arrival or after it passes on Saturday. For the latest weather alerts, drivers can visit Weather.gov, and for traffic alerts and road conditions, CoTrip.org is available.