Drivers traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill should expect periodic morning closures from early November through February due to sun glare, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The closures will affect the stretch between Mile Points 244 and 248, just east of Idaho Springs. The first preparatory traffic hold is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, ahead of the official closure period starting Nov. 1.
These sun glare safety closures are determined daily by CDOT and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) personnel based near Floyd Hill. The agencies collaborate each morning to assess whether the conditions warrant a closure.
The eastward angle of the rising sun can cause blinding glare for drivers, especially when it combines with factors such as moisture left on the road from storms or pre-treatment materials, steep hills, sharp turns, and the possibility of wildlife crossing. These elements make this stretch particularly hazardous during sunrise hours in late fall and winter.
“When closures occur, drivers traveling on eastbound I-70 should prepare for delays of up to an hour,” CDOT stated in its announcement. “The sun glare closures at Floyd Hill are implemented for the safety of the traveling public. The decision to close the highway is made daily, on a case-by-case basis, through collaboration between Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and CDOT personnel stationed near Floyd Hill.”
If a closure is in effect, eastbound I-70 traffic will be rerouted at Exit 244 (US 6), located at the base of Floyd Hill. Motorists can continue along US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon or use the I-70 frontage road (US 40) to rejoin I-70 at Beaver Brook (Exit 248). Truck drivers are advised that vehicles over 12 feet, seven inches cannot travel through tunnels along US 6 Clear Creek Canyon due to height restrictions.
“The eastward sun angle can create blinding glare for drivers, especially when combined with factors unique to the mountain corridor, including: Leftover moisture on the roadway from storms or pre-treatment materials can significantly magnify the glare; Challenging terrain like steep hills and sharp turns; Unforeseen obstacles, such as the potential for wildlife crossing the highway,” CDOT noted.
Closures typically last between 45 and 60 minutes and can occur anytime between sunrise and 8:30 a.m. throughout the designated months. Drivers are encouraged to monitor overhead message boards starting just east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel for real-time updates about sun glare closures. Additional travel alerts are available at COtrip.org.
“For these reasons, the sun glare safety closures at Floyd Hill are a necessary, unified effort between CSP and CDOT to keep motorists as safe as possible,” CDOT said.
