DENVER – A winter storm dumping several inches of snow in the high country has prompted multiple closures, making for a difficult commute on Interstate 70 Friday evening.
Reports of closures up and down the mountain corridor began pouring in around 5 p.m. as spun-out vehicles littered both shoulders of I-70.
The Colorado Department of Transportation had eastbound lanes at Silverthorne, both directions on Vail Pass, Empire Junction, Georgetown and eastbound Dotsero listed as closed on its website as of 6:30 p.m. There was no estimated time on when the closures would be lifted.
A traction law is also in effect for those traveling to the mountains. Passenger vehicles are required to have snow or mud/snow tires, use chains/alternative traction devices, or be a 4WD/AWD vehicle.
The storm could bring 8 to 16 inches of snow to elevations above 10,000 feet by tonight.