Comment on CDOT opens Independence Pass in time for Memorial weekend

Despite continued heavy snow in Colorado's mountains, Independence Pass opened at noon Thursday, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The winding and treacherous road climbs over the Continental Divide between Buena Vista and Aspen, and is closed during the winter. In late spring, CDOT crews bomb the steep hillsides above the road to trigger avalanches before drivers hit the highway.