As a result of the Interstate 70 closure and other burn scar flooding, mudslides and rockslides in Garfield, Larimer, Eagle, Grand, Routt, Rio Blanco, and Pitkin counties in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency, suspending hours of service regulations for certain truck drivers in the affected counties.
The declaration suspends HOS regs for haulers of gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels, propane, natural gas and other home heating fuels, medical supplies, sanitation, food, paper products, other groceries, and supplies or equipment necessary for community safety.
The order is effective through Sept. 3.
The portion of I-70 closed since late July is set to partially reopen this afternoon, Aug. 14.
Colorado joins a growing list of states with hours of service waivers in place due to emergency declaration. Montana, Oregon, Idaho, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington state, and Wyoming also have waivers in place for certain haulers.
A full list of emergency declarations can be found on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.