Colorado Explores Permits for Roadside Chain-Assist Services

Colorado is considering legislation to allow roadside chain-assistance services to ensure compliance with its expanded tire chain requirements for truck drivers.

Proposed Legislation for Chain Assistance

Colorado’s Senate Bill 69, currently under review, would introduce a permitting process allowing private companies to provide chain-assist services at designated roadside locations. This service would include the installation and removal of tire chains or alternative traction devices for a service fee.

If passed, the bill tasks the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) with issuing these permits. To prevent monopolies at specific locations, the bill specifies that CDOT should avoid granting sole operation rights to one company, ensuring competition at each site whenever possible.

The Goal Behind the Legislation

The proposed law aims to increase compliance with the state’s more stringent chain requirements, which took effect last year. These rules mandate that from Sept. 1 to May 31, all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) exceeding 16,000 pounds carry four snow chains or alternate traction devices when traveling on specified roads.

Roads Impacted by Chain Laws

Since the updated regulations took effect on Aug. 7, 2024, trucks traveling on the following Colorado routes are required to carry appropriate traction equipment during the mandate period:

• I-70 west of milepost 259 (Morrison).

• Colorado Highway 9 from milepost 63 to milepost 97 (Frisco to Fairplay).

• Route 40 west of milepost 256 (Empire).

• US Route 50 west of milepost 225 (Salida).

• US Route 160 west of milepost 250 (Morrison).

• US Route 550 between milepost 0 and 130 (State line south of Durango to Montrose).

Restrictions on Left Lane Use

The law also enforces left-lane restrictions on trucks in certain areas, enhancing safety on challenging stretches of highway. These areas include:

• Glenwood Canyon

• Dowd Junction, the curvy section on I-70 between Avon and Vail

• The west side of Vail Pass

• The tunnel grade on both sides of the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels

• Georgetown Hill

• Floyd Hill

Source: Overdrive