CDOT to Implement Safety Closure on CO 82 at Independence Pass

Travel Advisory

Lake & Pitkin Counties - Due to forecasted winter weather, the Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, will close Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass between Aspen and Twin Lakes beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Conditions will be re-evaluated on Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, to determine whether the pass can reopen for the fall or will enter its annual winter shutdown.

CO 82 will be closed at approximately Lincoln Creek Road (Mile Point 51.1) on the west side and near Graham Gulch (MP 68.5) on the east side.

The incoming storm is expected to bring snow accumulation and strong winds, making travel across the high-mountain pass hazardous. CDOT crews will evaluate the pass on Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, to determine whether the roadway can be reopened or will remain closed for the winter season. The alternate route from the Denver Metro Area to Aspen is via westbound I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO 82 to Aspen.

"Recognizing the access Independence Pass provides for Pitkin County residents, visitors, and others, our maintenance teams consider several factors when deciding whether to close the pass - whether for a short-term storm event or the full seasonal closure," said Jason Smith, CDOT's Regional Transportation Director for Northwest Colorado. "Of all the factors involved, the safety of the traveling public and our CDOT personnel remains paramount."

Each year, Independence Pass typically closes in late October or early November for the winter season. The latest closure in the past decade occurred in 2017, when the pass closed on Nov. 17.

Independence Pass, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway maintained by CDOT, is the highest paved state highway in Colorado, crossing the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet. Although paved, the road is narrow and curvy in many sections making driving conditions difficult in poor weather. The route includes steep drop-offs and several stretches that can accommodate only a single vehicle, requiring drivers to use caution and remain alert when encountering oncoming traffic.

The summit of Independence Pass is located 18 miles west of Twin Lakes and 19 miles east of Aspen, crossing the Continental Divide through the Sawatch Range. The pass stretches 32 miles of mountainous terrain, winding through San Isabel National Forest on the east side and White River National Forest on the west. When open, CDOT crews monitor the pass daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the winter months, heavy snowfall at the highest elevations of the pass makes it impossible to travel. Weather permitting, and after crews have evaluated the roadway for safety, CDOT typically reopens the pass the week prior to the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!