GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Colorado Department of Transportation has opened Mount Evans Highway and Independence Pass for travelers for the 2023 season.

CDOT crews unlocked the seasonal closure gates at Independence Pass this week, reopening CO 82 on each side of the pass for vehicles shorter than 35 feet in length. The restriction is due to tight curves, steep inclines and narrow lines on some sections of the pass and applies to all vehicles and trailers with a combined length of more than 35 feet. The restriction is in place on CO 82 from Mile Point 47.2 (west side, near Aspen) and Mile Point 84.2 (east side, near Twin Lakes/Leadville and about one mile west of the junction with US Highway 24).

This morning at 8 a.m., CDOT crews reopened Mount Evans Highway.

CDOT crews completed the maintenance on both roads, including avalanche mitigation, snow and ice clearing, pothole and guardrail fixing and repainting the roadways.