The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) issued a reminder to the trucking community about major changes to mandatory chain law and I-70 left lane restrictions for commercial vehicles.
In a September 10, 2024, news release, CSP laid out new restrictions and requirements impacting commercial vehicle drivers after Senate Bill 24-100 went into effect on August 7, 2024.
Previously, state law required truckers to carry chains on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison.
Under the new law, from September 1 to May 31, all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 16,000 pounds must carry four snow chains or adequate alternate traction devices on their trucks if they are using any of the following roads:
- I-70 west of milepost 259 (Morrison)
- Colorado Hwy 9 milepost 63 to milepost 97 (Frisco to Fairplay)
- Route 40 west of milepost 256 (Empire)
- US Route 50 west of milepost 225 (Salida)
- US Route 160 west of MP 250 (Morrison)
- US Route 550 from milepost 0 to 130 (State line south of Durango to Montrose)
Additionally, CSP reminded truckers about new I-70 commercial vehicle lane restrictions. Under the new law, commercial vehicles cannot use the left lane:
- In Glenwood Canyon
- In Dowd Junction (The curvy section of I-70 between Avon and Vail)
- The west side of Vail Pass
- The tunnel grade on both sides of the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels
- Georgetown Hill
- Floyd Hill
Troopers say that new signage is being installed to warn truckers about these changes.