DENVER - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) works around the clock, with 539 plows operating, until state roads are clear of snow and ice. Crews remain on snow-shift (alternating 12-hour shifts) until the storm is over and highways return to normal driving conditions.
Snow shifts aren't uncommon in Colorado, including during the storm that hit most of the state on Dec. 13 and 14, as well as this week's big event.
"Our crews started snow-shift along the Front Range at 4 yesterday afternoon, with areas in southeastern Colorado beginning their snow-shifts at midnight, and others in the mountain areas on-shift since Friday or midnight Sunday," CDOT's Director of Maintenance Operations Kyle Lester said on Dec. 12. "Snow and wind are expected to continue through the afternoon and possibly into the early evening so we're asking drivers to give themselves extra time to get to their destination and be prepared for reduced visibility."
The storm earlier this month dropped up to a foot of snow in several areas of the state, with the Denver Area receiving about eight inches. During the three-hour morning commute, about one inch of snow was falling each hour in Denver and along the northern Front Range.
BY THE NUMBERS
Front Range/Southeastern & Northeastern Colorado: 327 snowplows in operation during each snow-shift.
Western Slope/San Luis Valley: 212 snowplows in operation during each snow-shift.
"With our full complement of snow removal equipment out, we want to remind drivers to give our plows enough room to get the highways cleared and to slow down while we continue to experience winter driving conditions," added Lester.
AVOID A FINE!
Motorists should be aware the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law could be implemented if conditions require it. When either law is in effect, highway signage will be activated.
. Traction Law - Motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel drive vehicle - all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.
. Passenger Vehicle Chain Law - Every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).
Without proper equipment, you can be fined $130. If your vehicle blocks the roadway, you could be fined more than $650.
