A heavy spring snowstorm has closed a number of highways in the mountains today.
Interstate 70 over Vail Pass was closed in both directions for several hours. Eastbound traffic was still closed as of 9:30 p.m., when authorities opened the westbound lanes, with chain restrictions for commercial vehicles.
Just before 5 p.m., authorities closed the eastbound or uphill lanes of Interstate 70 from Silverthorne to the west entrance of the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Also closed in the Grand Mesa area is Colorado 65, from Cedaredge to Powderhorn, due to avalanche conditions. U.S. 550 over Red Mountain Pass in the southwestern corner of the state is closed because of avalanche conditions as well.
Chain laws are in effect for commercial vehicles eastbound from the Eisenhower Tunnel to Bakerville and eastbound over Rabbit Ears Pass on U.S. 40.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
