Drivers stranded as snow paralyzes I-70 during winter storm

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, a significant winter storm impacted travel across Colorado, particularly affecting the Interstate 70 mountain corridor. Snow clearing crews worked diligently to manage the adverse conditions; however, the intense snowfall led to traffic congestion that resulted in a complete standstill in I-70's eastbound lanes between Silverthorne and the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel. This area experienced a safety closure enforced by officials from the Colorado Department of Transportation due to the risk of vehicle spinouts caused by the accumulated snow. Lives were disrupted, as many drivers found themselves stuck in their vehicles during the heavy storm. Reports indicated that the CDOT cameras captured scenes of vehicles immobilized in traffic and appeared to show no immediate resolution as the snowfall persisted. Amidst the challenges, one determined driver left their car to shovel snow in the middle of the highway, while other motorists regularly exited their vehicles to assess the situation. At a critical juncture, an ambulance needed access to the area, prompting all stuck drivers to clear the roadway. While the safety closure was lifted before nightfall, the situation deteriorated again in the evening at 5 p.m., resulting in another shutdown of the eastbound lanes. Other stretches of I-70 remained open but were still slow-moving due to the perilous driving conditions caused by the ongoing storm. This incident emphasizes the ongoing challenges experienced by snow removal crews in the region and highlights the significant hazards posed to travelers during severe winter weather.