Independence Pass highway to remain closed amid coronavirus pandemic

ASPEN, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that State Highway 82 over Independence Pass will remain closed until at least June 1 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Aspen Times reported that the highway usually opens the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, which would have been May 21 this year.

But multiple counties requested the closure be extended to curtail unnecessary travel. The counties and agencies asked for the extension Tuesday.

Transportation spokesperson Elise Thatcher says it is unclear when the highway will reopen, but the department is working with other agencies to determine a date.