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.
If you haven't been outside yet, there's some snow on the ground & it's still freezing, so:
• Don't leave your car running unattended
• Clear lights, windows & mirrors
• Turn lights & wipers on
• Allow for extra time to commute & extra stopping distance— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice)
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.
The worst is a crash that has closed I-70 going westbound at Colorado Boulevard for a collision involving two police units. It is unknown if any injuries occurred, Denver police say. They recommend a different route and say that stretch of road will be close to Interstate 25 until further notice due to slick conditions.
A crash on eastbound I-70 near Sheridan Road was backing things up almost to Wadsworth Boulevard earlier.
A crash on northbound I-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 before you hit mountain roads this week.
Brrr! We're expecting scattered snow thru tmrw morning with another several inches still possible. Use caution on the roads; slick spots are possible amid these cold temperatures. Plow drivers are on duty and will be addressing main streets, plowing and dropping deicer as needed
— Denver Dept of Transportation & Infrastructure (@DenverDOTI)
