CDOT warns of upcoming winter storms after 50 vehicles were involved in piles on I-70 over the holiday weekend
A video that circulated on social media over the weekend also showed a Subaru driving out of control on I-70 near Silverthorne
CDOT/Courtesy photo
The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers that one of the “most far-reaching snow storms of the season thus far” could impact roadway conditions, including on the I-70 mountain corridor, this week.
Plow drivers will be deployed throughout the state during the storm, according to a news release from CDOT, which comes on the heels of a Thanksgiving holiday period that experienced multiple crashes and extended closures on I-70.
“Just like we saw last week, it only takes a little precipitation and those cold temperatures can make roads very slick,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in a statement. “Commuters should allow for extra time getting to work on Wednesday and take it slow.”
I-70 and mountain roadways are expected to receive two rounds of snow this week, Open Snow Meteorologist Sam Collentine wrote in a blog post Tuesday. About 2 to 6 inches of snow is expected Tuesday night through Wednesday evening, accompanied by winds, Collentine said. Snow is also in the forecast for Friday afternoon into Saturday, which could bring skier traffic to I-70, he said.
CDOT recommends drivers double their commute time on Wednesday morning.
Support Local Journalism
On Sunday, which was one of the busiest days for travel over the Thanksgiving holiday period, there were multiple incidents on I-70 that resulted from snowy conditions.
A little before noon Sunday, there was a pileup with about 30 vehicles near Mile Post 119 east of Glenwood Springs for hours, according to the Colorado State Patrol. There was also a second pile-up of about 20 cars near Mile Post 116 west of Gypsum the same day, causing delays. No injuries were reported in the crashes, according to State Patrol.
Also over the holiday weekend, a video circulated on social media showed a Subaru traveling at high speeds in icy conditions on a steep downhill slope along eastbound I-70 near Silverthorne. The Subaru lost traction, swerved dangerously close to other vehicles, before shooting off the right side of the roadway into the snow and traveling a short distance off the road before swerving back onto the interstate.
With the upcoming weather, transportation officials say drivers need to be prepared for winter conditions including by ensuring they are in compliance with the state’s passenger vehicle traction and commercial vehicle chain laws.
Drivers should also plan ahead by checking local weather, visiting COTrip.org for the latest road condition, avoiding driving during the brunt of a snowstorm, giving themselves plenty of time to get to their destination and driving slowly.
