Why are Eastbound trucks being told to stage at Dotsero during chain laws and closures on I-70?
Although Colorado has a requirement that all commercial vehicles be in possession of chains on I-70 during winter months, some drivers opt to wait out the chain law. Unfortunately, the towns and roadways leading up to the chain up areas and closure points do not have sufficient parking, facilities or suitable truck access to hold the amount of commercial traffic sitting on the highway and city streets during chain restrictions or closures. Chain up areas usually hold less than 20 trucks and have a 30 minute limit for parking. Trucks waiting for the chain law to lift or road to open, occupy these spaces and additional trucks end up double and triple parking on the highway or on city streets. This creates a hazardous situation for both drivers and emergency responders. The Dotsero staging area has adequate facilities and parking for truck traffic waiting out the chain law or a closure. When all spaces are occupied at Dotsero, closures may be moved farther west.
