CDOT Releases I-70 Mountain Traffic Warning Ahead Of President’s Day Weekend

COLORADO, United States – The Colorado Division of Transportation launched an official warning to motorists planning to journey on I-70 this President’s Day weekend, encouraging drivers to be ready for heavy winter climate.

The warning, despatched out as a information launch on February 15, factors out the rise in visitors by way of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels through the month of February. Over one million motorists journey that route all through the month, and, final February, a mean of 38,000 motorists handed by way of every day.

“Winter climate presents distinctive challenges for even probably the most skilled Colorado drivers. We encourage all motorists to keep away from peak journey occasions and guarantee their autos are ready for the potential of winter climate. That features protecting a winterized emergency package in your car with water, snacks, traction units, jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid package and different requirements.” – CDOT Winter Clever communications supervisor Andrew Hogle

Visitors accidents are most frequent on I-70 all through the months of February and March. Within the final 5 years, 37% of the overall accidents on I-70 through the ski season (outlined as between October and April) have occurred all through the second and third month of the 12 months, with greater than 630 crashes occurring throughout these months since 2018.

“We’re nonetheless within the thick of the winter season, so it’s necessary to make sure that your car is ready for winter journey. Earlier than hitting the highway this weekend, be sure you have winter, all-weather, or mud and snow tires with a minimal of three-sixteenths of an inch tread depth. Getting ready your car and tires for winter climate is likely one of the finest methods to maintain your self and others protected on Colorado roadways and forestall delays on I-70.” – Andrew Hogle

Between Sept. 1 to Could 31, Colorado’s visitors legal guidelines do require drivers on the on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison to have not less than three-sixteenths of an inch tread depth on each tire, in addition to not less than one of many following:

“4WD or AWD car

Tires with mud and snow designation (M+S icon)

Winter tires (mountain snowflake icon)

Tires with an all-weather ranking by the producer

Chains or accredited traction gadget“

Associated: UDOT Triggers Avalanche Throughout Mitigation Operations in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Picture Credit score: Colorado Division of Transportation by way of Fb