May snowstorm causes I-70 closures, hazardous driving conditions in high country

A safety closure is in effect as of 7 a.m. Tuesday for Interstate 70 eastbound at Vail Pass, amid a May snowstorm that is creating hazardous road conditions in the high country.

There is no estimated time of reopening. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

The closure area is between mile markers 176 and 180, according to Colorado Department of Transportation’s CoTrip.org, where the latest road conditions for I-70 and other Colorado highways can be found.

According to a tweet sent out by the Colorado State Patrol in Eagle, both eastbound and westbound lanes on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon are closed due to a large rockslide.

Reports on the local Roaring Fork Road and Weather Facebook page also indicate a traffic backup on eastbound I-70 in South Canyon west of Glenwood Springs, also about 7 a.m. this morning, due to a crash.

According to CDOT, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains of Summit and Eagle counties through midnight tonight. Eight to 18 inches of snow is forecast, and motorists are advised that chain and traction laws are in effect, and safety closures should be anticipated.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is available.

via:: The Aspen Times