Colorado Road Conditions

ACTIVE TRAVEL ADVISORIES 4 Active
CHAIN LAWS Colorado Chain and Traction Laws are in effect (Sept 1 - May 31) on I-70, US-6, US-40, CO-9, US-285, CO-91. All vehicles require AWD/4WD with M+S tires (3/16" tread min) or chains; commercial vehicles must carry chains. View requirements →
Disabled Vehicle I-70W - Disabled Vehicle
Between I-225 and Exit 281: Peoria Street (Denver) at Mile Point 282. The center lane is closed due to a stalled vehicle.
2 Vehicle Crash I-70E - 2 Vehicle Crash
Between Exit 263: Colorado Mills Parkway and Exit 264: 32nd Avenue (Lakewood) at Mile Point 263. The right lane is closed due to a crash.
Maintenance Operations US-285S - Maintenance Operations
At County Road J (1 mile north of Conejos) at Mile Point 8. Road closed expect delays due to road maintenance operations. Slower speeds are advised. Detour in place. Comment: Closed For Maintenance. Detour in place at MP 8.
Updated 10:00 PM MST

Colorado road conditions change rapidly during winter storms, spring runoff, and summer construction season. At Blue Sky Limo, we track real-time CDOT updates, monitor weather systems moving through the mountains, and post current travel advisories for Colorado’s major mountain corridors. Use this page to stay up-to-date on Colorado road conditions and status updates for road closures, traffic delays, chain law activations, and conditions affecting safe travel across Colorado’s high country.

I-70 Westbound

Road Surface: Wet In Areas, Icy Spots

I-70 Mountain Corridor - Current Conditions: Wet

TRAFFIC Normal
VISIBILITY 1.8 mi
TEMP 11°F
UPDATES
Mountain Express Lane: EB Closed | WB Closed
Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
CAUTION - Wet pavement. Reduce speed and increase following distance.
Speed Advisory: 60 MPH
Monitoring: Glenwood Springs (MP 116) to C-470 (Denver) (MP 260) Verified: 8:57 PM MST

Real-time status updates for the I-70 mountain corridor. Current conditions, closure alerts, chain law status, and traffic delays from Denver to Eagle County, including segments frequently closed during winter storms.

Vail Pass Status

Road Surface: Wet | Road Grip: 82%

Vail Pass - Current Conditions: Snow Packed

TRAFFIC Normal
VISIBILITY 1.2 mi
TEMP 2°F
UPDATES
Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
CAUTION - Snow-packed roads. Reduce speed and increase following distance.
Speed Advisory: 60 MPH
Monitoring: East Vail (MP 180) to Frisco (MP 203) Verified: 8:57 PM MST

Current conditions and closure alerts for Vail Pass. This 10,662-foot pass is prone to closures due to heavy snow, high winds, and low visibility. Be sure to check the status regularly before attempting to head over this pass.

Eisenhower Tunnel Status

Road Surface: Wet In Areas, Icy Spots | Road Grip: 26%

Eisenhower Tunnel - Current Conditions: Wet

TRAFFIC Normal
VISIBILITY 0.6 mi
TEMP 11°F
UPDATES
Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
CAUTION - Wet pavement. Reduce speed and increase following distance.
Speed Advisory: 60 MPH
Monitoring: Frisco (MP 201) to Georgetown (MP 216) Verified: 8:57 PM MST

Real-time traffic updates and approach conditions for the Eisenhower Tunnel. Closures occur due to accidents, avalanche control, and vehicle backups without proper traction equipment.

Colorado Traction Law Requirements:

Colorado’s traction law applies to the I-70 mountain corridor from Dotsero to Morrison between September 1 and May 31. All vehicles must have adequate tread depth (3/16″) and either snow tires, M+S rated tires, or chains/AutoSock devices. Fines start at $130 and increase to $650 if a violation causes lane closures. Full requirements are available on CDOT’s traction law page.

colorado road conditions real time updates

Additional CDOT Road Resources:

Visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions, live webcams, and closure alerts for all Colorado highways. Download the CDOT mobile app (iOS | Android) to view traffic cameras, track snowplow locations, and receive push alerts for closures. Follow @ColoradoDOT on X for immediate updates on chain law activations and major incidents. For recorded Colorado road condition updates, call:

  • 511 (within Colorado)
  • 303-639-1111 (Denver metro)
  • 877-315-7623 (toll-free statewide)

Mountain weather directly impacts road conditions and closure timing across Colorado. Check the National Weather Service forecast for storm warnings and precipitation timing before traveling. During winter months, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center posts forecasts that often signal upcoming closures for avalanche control on mountain passes and corridors.