As Colorado settles into the heart of winter, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), State Senator Dylan Roberts and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) are rolling out a strengthened strategy to keep the I-70 Mountain Corridor safer and more reliable – especially during storms. One of the biggest changes this season is the new Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) left-lane restriction, now active along several high-risk segments of I-70.
New This Year: Heavy Trucks Restricted from the Left Lane
Drivers will start to see new pavement markings and signage at key I-70 Mountain Corridor locations including Georgetown Hill, the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels (EJMT), Vail Pass and Glenwood Canyon.
Under this new rule, CMVs must stay in the right lane unless actively passing, at which time they may use the left lane. Keeping heavy trucks out of the left lane prevents sudden speed changes, reduces spinouts and helps avoid the full closures that can occur when a CMV blocks the highway.
A Stronger Winter Operations Plan for I-70
This winter, CDOT is entering the season with near-full maintenance staffing, upgraded plows, advanced de-icing tools and a more robust storm-response strategy tailored specifically for the I-70 Mountain Corridor. This strategy includes:
- Around-the-clock snow operations. Crews work continuously during storms to clear pavement, keep traction strong and respond to incidents.
- Truck management that supports plow operations. The new left-lane restriction helps plows run safely, especially when they need to operate in tandem across multiple lanes.
- Improved anti-icing and de-icing. Anti-icing materials work best when traffic flow is predictable – another reason why restricting trucks to the right lane boosts safety for everyone.
- Surge deployments during major storms. On steep, high-impact areas like Vail Pass, EJMT, Floyd Hill and Glenwood Canyon, CDOT stages additional personnel and equipment in advance to stay ahead of the storm.
Enforcement Is Underway
CSP is actively monitoring the I-70 Mountain Corridor – especially during storms and peak travel times. Truck drivers traveling in the left lane where restrictions apply may receive fines or points. This enforcement, combined with the expanded chain law, is crucial for preventing crashes and keeping the corridor open.
What All Drivers Should Do This Winter
Winter mountain travel requires preparation. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Check conditions before you go. Visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner App for real-time travel updates, cameras, and incident alerts.
- Give plows room. Never pass a plow on the right and expect multiple plows clearing lanes in tandem.
- Build in extra travel time. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Understand the new left-lane rules. Watch for left-lane restriction signage, especially for truck drivers.
Know Before You Go: Helpful Links
- Check road conditions: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner App: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for travel or project alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- View scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Follow @ColoradoDOT on social media for updates
This winter, CDOT’s upgraded operations and the new truck left-lane restrictions are designed to reduce closures, prevent crashes, and keep the I-70 Mountain Corridor moving – even during Colorado’s toughest storms. Plan ahead, stay aware of the new rules, and give yourself (and the plows!) plenty of space.