CDOT restricting types of vehicles allowed on I-70 west
As steady snow continues to fall across the Colorado Front Range and Foothills, the Colorado Department of Transportation is trying to protect travel along I-70 through the mountains. Starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, vehicles with trailers or that are towing another vehicle will not be allowed on I-70 in both directions from Golden to Silverthorne. That restriction includes commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks.
This appears to be only the second time this kind of restriction has been enacted on the interstate. CBS News Colorado asked CDOT why the agency is making this move and got this reply from CDOT PIO Matt Inzeo:
"We implemented a similar restriction for a storm last Spring and saw an encouraging reduction in jackknifed and spun-out CMV's. With so many schools closed and ski resorts opening, we are worried about mountain travel becoming hazardous at a time when the worst storm impacts are much farther south and east than normal."
The restriction extends to:
- 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
- I-25 in both directions from Plum Creek Pkwy to N. Academy Blvd
CDOT is expecting road conditions in the mountains may still be extreme given the nature of the storm and is warning drivers to slow down and plan for additional travel time.
