Independence Pass reopens, Colorado DOT reminds truckers that they’re not allowed

This week, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reopened a popular mountain pass for the summer travel season with a reminder that many commercial vehicle drivers are prohibited from using the road.

Independence Pass on Colorado Highway 82 reopened for the season around noon on May 26.

“In order to reopen the road for the 2022 season, crews fixed potholes, cleared rockfall and repainted (striped) the roadway. 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,” CDOT said.

CDOT is reminding commercial vehicle drivers that any vehicle 35 feet or longer is prohibited from using Independence Pass. The vehicle restriction is in place due to the road’s tight curves, steep inclines, and narrow lanes on some sections of the pass.

The fine for trucks caught on Independence Pass is $1000 plus the tow fees, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The fine can increase to $1500 if a truck using the pass caused road closures or traffic delays.