CDOT prepares to open Independence Pass for the 2026 season

News Release

Lake and Pitkin Counties - Crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation will open Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 for the season on May 21 at noon ending the need for the hours-long detours while closed for the winter season.

Snowpack for the area has been much lower than years past, enabling CDOT crews to take advantage of this time to conduct essential maintenance of the roadway to ensure the route was safe for commuters to travel. These tasks included replacing damaged guardrails; filling potholes; resurfacing areas where the road was heaved up; trimming back overgrown bushes; removing downed trees; and clearing rockfall from the roadway and drainages to enable proper water drainage.

"The annual opening of Independence Pass signifies the winter to summer weather transition and allows commuters to take advantage of this beautiful stretch of pure Colorado roadway," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "Our maintenance team worked diligently to ensure the necessary repairs were made so drivers can travel the pass safely. We remind drivers to use caution, especially on the narrow portions of this roadway, and to be attuned to other drivers and wildlife."

CDOT reminds motorists that commercial and recreational vehicles 35 feet or longer are prohibited on Independence Pass. The restriction is due to tight curves, steep inclines and narrow lanes on some sections of the pass, and applies to vehicles and trailers with a combined length of more than 35 feet. Motorists should plan for the restriction to be in place on CO 82 between Mile Point 47.2 (west side, near Aspen) and MP 84.2 (east side, near Twin Lakes/Leadville and about one mile west of the junction with US Highway 24).

Dates for reopening Independence Pass in recent years are:

• May 27, 2021
• May 26, 2022
• May 25, 2023
• May 31, 2024
• May 22, 2025

Cracked or loose rock is common along CO 82 on Independence Pass and can develop due to regular and frequent freeze/thaw cycles in mountainous locations with year-round winter weather. Motorists and cyclists should check weather conditions prior to traveling mountain passes, as spring rain or snowstorms can prompt safety closures or slow traffic. Real-time road conditions are available at COtrip.org.

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!