Getting your player ready...
ASPEN, Colo.—The Colorado Department of Transportation says Independence Pass near Aspen is open, but could be closed periodically in case of bad weather.
State officials say the 12,095-foot pass was opened Thursday. They had been uncertain that highway crews could clear the highway in time for the traditional opening for Memorial Day weekend. Crews had to work overtime to plow the snow, which was 25 feet deep in spots.
The pass is between Aspen and Leadville in the mountains of central Colorado.
State crews expect to open the Mount Evans Highway to Summit Lake by Friday. The road to the 14,264-foot summit will stay closed due to snow.
Crews are still trying to clear Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
