Severe winter weather forced a closure of Colorado Highway 131 after a disabled semi truck nearly slid off the road and blocked both lanes of traffic close to Oak Creek around noon Tuesday.

Traffic was diverted to Routt County Road 14 through Stagecoach until 131 was reopened at approximately 3:16 p.m.

“It doesn’t sound like (the truck) had chains on the tires,” said Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar. 

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado state law requires all commercial vehicles and trucks to have tire chains from September through May.

Winter weather conditions also led to a closure of U.S. Highway 40 at mile marker 118 west of Milner Tuesday in both directions as of 4:56 p.m., with traffic redirected to County Road 27 and County Road 33.

The road closures are a good reminder to all drivers to comply with state snow chain regulations. 

During this time period, passenger vehicles must also have all-wheel or four-wheel drive, or snow tires if the vehicle is two-wheel drive. If none of these criteria are met, vehicles must have alternate traction devices, such as tire socks or tire straps, according to CDOT.

All tire tread depths should be at least 3/16 of an inch, regardless of vehicle or tire type. 

Violation of these regulations results in a $100 fine with a $32 surcharge, or a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if the violation causes a closure of one or more traffic lanes.