Independence Pass Expected To Open May 22
INDEPENDENCE PASS, Colo. (CBS4)- If all goes as planned and weather conditions stay calm, the Colorado Department of Transportation plans to open Independence Pass on schedule.
That opening day would be the Thursday prior to Memorial Day, May 22, at 2 p.m. Last year the pass opened on May 23 which was also the target date.
The 18 mile stretch of Highway 82 runs from Aspen to Twin Lakes.
Each year CDOT sets a goal to get the 12,095 foot pass open on the target day. That is dependent on weather conditions and the amount of work necessary to clear the road.
Other maintenance includes clearing avalanche slide paths, clearing snow, ice and other debris, moving concrete barriers before clearing ditches and hauling out loads of rock debris.
Should the pass open on May 22, CDOT crews will continue the business of keeping this and other state highway mountain passes safe and in good condition for the busy summer season ahead.
