Eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed in two locations near Vail Pass Sunday afternoon due to a crash and vehicles sliding off the road as snow continues to fall in the mountains.
The eastbound interstate closed at mile markers 176 and 184 just before 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. As of 9:20 p.m., the Vail Police Department opened a stranded motorist shelter for the drivers still stuck on the road. The road was re-opened just after 9:45 p.m. after a long afternoon and evening of it being closed.
The closure at mile marker 184, between Vail and Copper Mountain, was due to multiple vehicles sliding off the road, according to the department’s website. showed lines of vehicles stretching almost a half-mile down the road.
A major crash at mile marker 176 in Vail caused the interstate to close there.
A Colorado State Patrol spokesman said he had not been made aware of any serious injury crashes Sunday afternoon.
Department officials issued a traction law for all vehicles traveling between Vail and Copper Mountain as well as those traveling between Silverthorne and Georgetown. The law requires that all vehicles either have snow tires, use chains or have four-wheel-drive capabilities.
The snow was expected to become heavier Sunday evening in the mountains and winds could gust up to 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
Breckenridge Ski Resort . Loveland Ski Area .
Snow will increase in coverage & intensity thru the evening w/widespread snow & strong winds expected across the northern & central mountains overnight. Highest intensity snow will be above 9000ft, however snow showers are expected down to 7000ft w/lighter accumulations.
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder)
Much more now by Vail Pass. Remember to SLOW DOWN and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT)
