Denver, CO — The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on September 10, 2026 that it has contracted engineering firm Zak Dirt to design and construct two chain‑up stations on state highways 9 and 285. The initiative focuses on mountain routes where snow and ice routinely halt traffic and trigger chain‑law citations.
Colorado’s chain‑law requires commercial vehicles to equip chains when temperatures dip below 20 °F and road conditions become hazardous. For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators hauling OTR loads, compliance has meant pulling over at unsafe shoulders or risking fines. Dedicated pullouts give drivers a legal, well‑lit place to install chains, reducing exposure to traffic and speeding up winter trips across the Rockies.
The Grant Chain Station will sit on southbound CO 285 between milepost 208.8 and 209.4, while the Alma Chain Station will serve northbound CO 9 from milepost 72.1 to 72.7. Work on the Grant site kicks off first, with advanced warning signs and LED lighting slated for installation alongside the pullout. Both stations will be positioned near the sections where the chain law becomes active each season, ensuring drivers encounter the facilities before reaching the most treacherous stretches.
What This Means for Drivers
Truck drivers will now have a clearly marked area to stop without obstructing traffic, allowing a quick chain change and a prompt return to the road. Fleet managers can adjust routing software to flag the new pullouts, helping OTR truck drivers plan safe stops ahead of time. Owner‑operators will benefit from reduced downtime and lower risk of citations, which translates into steadier earnings during winter months.
Industry Reaction
Statewide trucking groups have praised the move as a practical step toward safer mountain travel. Many carriers note that the lack of proper chain‑up locations has long been a pain point for drivers hauling freight between Denver and northern Colorado. By providing illuminated pullouts, CDOT addresses a concern that has lingered since the chain‑law’s inception, and the added signage is expected to cut the number of roadside emergencies that tie up crews and delay deliveries.
Key Points
- Zak Dirt hired to plan and build the stations.
- Grant station located southbound CO 285, MP 208.8‑209.4.
- Alma station located northbound CO 9, MP 72.1‑72.7.
- Advanced warning signs and LED lighting will improve visibility.
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