Independence Pass to remain closed over weekend

Independence Pass will remain closed over this weekend because of poor driving conditions, the Colorado Department of Transportation said Friday.

CDOT shut down the Pass on Thursday morning because of more than 6 inches of snow and snowdrifts up to 4 feet high. It decided to keep the pass closed because of overnight snow Thursday and more in the forecast for Sunday and Monday.

“On Monday, crews will determine if a re-opening of the pass is feasible and safe prior to the target November 7 closure,” CDOT said in a statement. “At this point, it is likely that this early seasonal closure will remain in place, but motorists are advised to check CDOT’s traveler information site at http://www.cotrip.org before making their travel plans.”

The 12,095-foot pass, an 18-mile stretch along Highway 82 that starts about four miles east of Aspen, is closed for the winter every year. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting. The alternate route to Aspen during the months Independence Pass is closed is Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs and Highway 82 into Aspen.