Winter Driving Preparedness

Be Prepared!

It is impossible to meet the needs of all citizens. Therefore, the Road and Bridge Department recommends that anyone operating a motor vehicle during this season take the time to equip their vehicle with necessary winter equipment.

The following is an inventory list of recommended items that should be in each vehicle:

• Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
• Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Gallon jug of water
• First aid kit and essential medications
• Tire chains and tow strap
• Jumper cables
• Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
• Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts

What to Expect for Snow Plowing and Sanding Operations

It is the policy of the Road and Bridge Deptartment to clear school bus routes first and then the collector or “Primary” classified roads for peak traffic travel. After these roads are cleared, the local roads or “Secondary-County Maintained” roads are then plowed. All motorists must realize there may be periods during storm events when the roads will not be freshly plowed and sanded.                                                 

During a snow event that is outside of our regular business hours (Monday–Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm) our operators are notified by their supervisor to report to work or to stay after 4:30 pm to continue plowing operations. During continuous snow storms, the operators will work the maximum allowed hours, but may have to concentrate on “Primary” classified roads. In a case such as this, some “Secondary” roads may receive little, if any, attention at this time.

Due to safety concerns, the Road and Bridge Department cannot offer service between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.

A general rule of thumb is “the lower the traffic volume on a road, the more likely the road is to receive little or no attention during large snowfall events.” The Road and Bridge Department provides sand barrels and shovels located in strategic places throughout the County. 

Our hope is that by knowing what to expect with regard to the County’s snow plowing operations, and having emergency items that may be necessary in extreme conditions, the winter travel season will be a safe journey for everyone. 

Our “Road Concern” line at Road & Bridge is: 303-679-2334, option #2, to leave a message and your call will be directed to the proper Supervisor for your area. 

For more information about Public Works, go to:  https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/190/Public-Works

Colorado's Chain Law

Winter driving conditions can be expected in the Colorado high country as early as September and as late as May. Travelers must be prepared to drive safely at all times and in all conditions. 

Colorado's Chain Law is not just for Large Commercial Vehicles. All vehicles need to be prepared to have adequate tires and equipment when traveling in Colorado during the winter. Chain Law and safe tire requirements can be put into effect at any time for all types of vehicles. These requirements have recently changed.

Larger Vehicles, Including Recreational and Commercial Motor Vehicles

As of August 7, 2024, all commercial motor vehicle drivers must carry chains from September 1st to May 31st. This applies to vehicles with a combined weight of more than 16,000 lbs used in commerce or as transport for at least 16 passengers (including the driver) on public highways.

Commercial vehicles and buses have a larger footprint on roadways where chains are required. CMVs must carry chains or ATDs on all the following roads regardless of current weather:

• I-70 west of milepost 259 (Morrison) to the Utah border.
• Colorado Highway 9 mile post 63 to milepost 97 (Frisco to Fairplay).
• Route 40 milepost 256 (Empire) to the Utah border.
• U.S. Route 50 milepost 225 (Salida) to the Utah border.
• U.S. Route 160 milepost 304 (Walsenburg) to the New Mexico border.
• U.S. Route 285 milepost 250 (Morrison) to the New Mexico border.
• All of U.S Route 550.

Those required to chain 4 drive tires:

• Straight Trucks: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, 4 tire cables 0.415 diameters or greater, auto chains, or sanders.
• Single Drive Axle Combinations: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, auto chains, or sanders. No cables are allowed.
• Tandem Drive Axle Combinations: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, tire cables 0.415 inches in diameter or greater, auto chains, or sanders. Tire cables are permitted only if the outer tires on both ends of one drive axle are equipped with tire chains, and at least four traction devices are used in total.
• Auto Transporters: 4 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, 4 tire cables 0.415 or greater, auto chains, or sanders. Do not use chains if use places hydraulic lines at risk of damage (alternative traction devices (ATDs) may be used to mitigate the risk). Travel will be restricted if the vehicle is unable to chain.

Those required to chain 2 drive tires:

• Buses: 2 tire chains, 2 tire cables 0.415 diameters or greater, 2 AutoSocks, auto chains, or sanders.
• Hot shot trucking: Traditional motor vehicles (such as pickup trucks) that are pulling trailers and meet the above-listed weight criteria must also carry chains. 2 tire chains for singles (to affix to rear tires). Exception: Duallies need 4 tire chains.