Travel in northern Colorado faced significant challenges on December 9 due to high winds and multiple accidents on U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 25. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that both highways were closed north of Fort Collins for several hours but managed to reopen by 3:30 p.m.
The disruptions were primarily caused by two separate semi-truck accidents on U.S. 287. These incidents resulted in the closure of the highway in both directions from Red Feather Lakes Road up to the Wyoming border during the late morning and early afternoon. The Livermore Fire Protection District confirmed that two trucks had overturned, one at the intersection of U.S. 287 and Larimer County Road 76, and the other near mile marker 377, north of Livermore. Emergency responders, including the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol, were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.
Additionally, northbound I-25 was closed around 7 a.m. due to a crash located between Carr and the exit leading to the Wyoming state line. The conditions were exacerbated by strong winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning for the Front Range, with gusts expected to reach between 60 to 75 mph in the Fort Collins area.
As conditions improve, travelers are encouraged to stay alert and check for updates from officials regarding weather and road status to ensure a safe journey. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety during adverse weather conditions.