Wednesday morning is making for a challenging drive around the Denver metro due to icy spots and crashes. More light snow is expected, mainly in the afternoon on Wednesday, but as of the morning, the cold temperatures are the biggest issue.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, US Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass closed at nightfall. Adverse weather forced a safety closure, with heavy accumulations of snow, high winds, blowing snow and low visibility still in the forecast. There is no estimated time of reopening.
CDOT wrote that Wolf Creek, Cumbres and La Manga passes are ones they expect to be the worst over the next few days.
“Significant snow is possible over Vail Pass, McClure Pass and the Grand Mesa as well,” CDOT warned. “Central I-70 will see varying snow up to eight inches. Sub-freezing temperatures will last through Wednesday, so icy conditions will be possible on roads statewide. All vehicles should have adequate tread depth on their tires. Commercial transport using mountain roadways will likely need chains or approved alternate traction devices.”
Interstate 70 had some issues late Tuesday night, but so far Wednesday, the biggest challenge is chain and traction laws on the highway.
Several issues along I-70 have closed lanes and slowed traffic across the metro area, mainly near the mousetrap.
A crash on eastbound I-70 near Sheridan Road was backing things up almost to Wadsworth Boulevard earlier.
A crash on northbound Interstate 25 near 6th Avenue has closed a lane of traffic brefily.
Interstate 225 was moving very slow between US 40 highway and I-70 in Aurora. A crash had closed three northbound lanes earlier in the morning. It is best to avoid that stretch of road entirely still, due to slow-moving traffic.
There are chain and traction laws in place on many Colorado roads; it’s best to check with COTrip.org before you hit mountain roads this week.
Source: Read Full Article
