More than 184 commercial vehicles were towed on Interstate 70 between Floyd Hill and Vail Pass last winter in the Heavy Tow Quick Clearance Program.

It was the first season for the program, meant to keep things moving on a highway notorius for stalled traffic and harsh winter conditions.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said Wednesday the program took an average of 23 minutes to clear obstructions, four minutes faster than during a pilot program in early 2008.

Officials say four severe storms were included in the 2008-09 winter season.

The program costs about $500,000 per year.