Trucks Stranded on Snowy Interstate 70 West of Denver, Prompting Highway Closure
Tractors-trailers struggling to gain traction on the snow-covered lanes of Interstate 70 west of Denver led to a major traffic jam on Friday night. The situation became so dire that highway officials were forced to close the highway in both directions.
The closure was prompted by the inability of snowplows and tow trucks to reach the stuck trucks due to the heavy traffic. The eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed from the bottom of Floyd Hill to its summit, while the westbound lanes were closed from Morrison Road. The closure came after the Colorado Department of Transportation cited safety concerns.
In addition to the stranded trucks, a smaller number of passenger cars also contributed to the problem. The closure of I-70 came as the snow and low temperatures moved out of the high country and into the Front Range.
The closure of the eastbound lanes of I-70 occurred just before 8 p.m. and included the closure of an adjacent section of U.S. 40, which is often used as a frontage road.
The situation continued to escalate, with the closure of I-70 caused by multiple vehicles spinning out and a commercial motor vehicle losing its trailer. The Colorado State Patrol issued a warning, advising against using US 40 due to multiple vehicles being stuck and the traction law and chain law being put into effect.
The closure of Interstate 70 not only caused major traffic disruption but also posed significant safety concerns for motorists. The Colorado Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies are urging drivers to exercise caution and be prepared for icy and snow-packed roads as the winter weather continues.