Snow Removal

Our Equipment and Preparation

4 Maintenance Facilities

Across our 47-mile roadway where we store equipment and deicing material to treat the roadway during storm events.

12 Weather Stations

These weather stations help monitor conditions along the tollway and include visibility sensors, wind sensors, and pavement sensors that gauge pavement temperature and moisture levels to predict the formation of ice and “level of grip” on the road so we can proactively identify areas needing treatment.

280,000 Gallons of Magnesium Chloride

Liquid deicing material we utilize for roadway treatment.

9,600 Tons of Solid Deicer

To help minimize ice from bonding to the pavement while providing traction on the roadway for drivers.

22 Snowplows

E-470 can deploy up to 22 snowplows based on the severity of the storm. Crews are on call 24/7 to provide high levels of service during storm events.

Snow Fencing

Placed along upwind sections of the tollway to prevent snow from drifting on to the roadway and help improve visibility for drivers.

Driver Safety Tips

Colorado is a beautiful place but the weather can change pretty quickly. Below are some helpful safety tips to keep in mind when hitting the road during snowy months.

Keep Your Vehicle in Good Driving Condition

Before driving, always brush all snow and ice off your vehicle. Keep washer fluid full and ensure your windshield is free of cracks. Maintain the proper tire pressure with at least 3mm of tire tread. Keep more than half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. Keep cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, blankets, flashlight, medications, and a glass scraper.

Follow the “Move Over” Law

Under Colorado law, drivers must move over to the next lane, if they can safely do so, when approaching emergency, tow, maintenance, or public utility vehicles stopped on the roadway with flashing lights. Failure to do so could result in a $167 citation and three points against a driver’s license. On E-470, drivers who cannot move over safely for an E-470 snow plow or E-470 Roadside Assistance vehicle must immediately slow down by 20 MPH or more (at least to 55 MPH).

Give Snowplows Room to Work

When snowplows are in what’s called “echelon formation” ,or, arranged diagonally to remove snow from the roadway, do not pass them. It is a traffic offense if you pass a snowplow while it is displaying its lights and performing its service in this type of formation. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow a little extra room.

Use Safe Driving Practices

Do not overdrive or overcorrect your turns and do not use cruise control when there is precipitation on the roadway. It’s also important to slow down when approaching offramps, bridges, or shady spots.

Be Cautious of Sun Glare

In Colorado, there is plenty of sunshine even during snowy months, but the sun can be blinding after it snows. To help improve visibility, always have a pair of sunglasses handy and keep your windshield clean, both inside and out.

Know Your Brakes

Whether or not you have anti-lock brakes, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.

It’s Not a Race, Leave Space

Slow down and leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance.

Stay With Your Vehicle

In emergency situations, your vehicle can provide temporary shelter and help rescuers locate you. If stuck on the roadway during a severe snowstorm, do not leave your vehicle for safety purposes.