Snowstorm Forces I‑25 Closure Near Raton Pass, Disrupts Trinidad Travel
A Nov. 4 snow and wind event closed Interstate 25 near Raton Pass, halting traffic between New Mexico and Colorado and disrupting travel for Trinidad‑area residents. Authorities closed and later reopened sections as conditions allowed, advising motorists to monitor chain and traction requirements for safe passage.
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A heavy snow and wind event on Nov. 4 prompted the temporary closure of Interstate 25 near Raton Pass, severing a key north‑south route and halting traffic between New Mexico and Colorado. The storm produced heavy snowfall, low visibility and dangerous road conditions that forced transportation officials and emergency personnel to restrict travel until conditions improved.
The closure directly affected drivers traveling to and from the Trinidad area, creating delays for commuters, commercial traffic and regional travelers relying on I‑25 as the primary corridor through the Sangre de Cristo foothills. Officials said they reopened sections of the interstate as weather and road conditions allowed, but cautioned that conditions remained variable and that motorists should be prepared for winter driving requirements.
Authorities advised travelers to monitor chain and traction requirements before attempting to travel through the pass. The advisory underscores the longstanding seasonal hazard posed by Raton Pass, a high‑elevation stretch of I‑25 that can quickly deteriorate in wind‑driven snow. During events like the Nov. 4 storm, chain laws and traction restrictions are used to reduce the risk of multi‑vehicle incidents and to help plow and emergency vehicles maintain access.
Local public safety and road maintenance operations faced typical winter‑storm challenges: clearing snow, managing traffic at closure points, and communicating changing conditions to motorists. The temporary shutdown of the interstate also has practical implications for regional commerce and emergency services, as trucking reroutes and delayed travel can affect delivery schedules and response times for calls that cross county or state lines.
For Las Animas County residents, the event highlights the importance of preparedness and timely information. Motorists are reminded to equip vehicles for winter travel, check official sources for current restrictions, and plan alternate routes when the pass is closed. Consistent public messaging and coordination among state and local transportation agencies remain critical to minimizing disruption and preserving safety when severe weather threatens the corridor.
As the season progresses, the Nov. 4 closure serves as a reminder that even brief storms can interrupt movement on a major interstate serving southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Local officials and transportation authorities will continue to monitor conditions and reopen or restrict travel in response to changing weather and road safety assessments.
