DENVER – Widespread snow developing over the I-70 Mountain Corridor is expected to create heavy traffic in the high country and continue into the late afternoon, Colorado Department of Transportation officials warned early Saturday.
CDOT cautioned motorists to be patient as heavy traffic and winter driving conditions along Interstate 70 between the Denver area, and Vail will significantly slow travel times along the corridor this weekend.
As of Saturday morning, there was a 90-minute total travel time between Denver/C-470 to the Eisenhower Tunnel.
“Periods of heavy snow is expected to occur all day Saturday. Expect mountain roads to become snow covered and slippery with Traction and Chain Laws in effect by early morning and those conditions to last through Saturday night,” CDOT said in a press release.
Safety closures are possible, CDOT added.
When activated, the traction law requires motorists to have snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel-drive vehicle. All tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
The passenger vehicle chain law means every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).
CDOT says a $130 fine is possible if a driver is not utilizing the proper equipment. Blocking the highway due to negligence can net a $650 fine.
