Drivers traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill should expect safety closures from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. during the sun glare season, which runs from early November through February. The affected stretch covers approximately Mile Points 244 to 248, located east of Idaho Springs. The first closure will take place as a preparatory traffic hold at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, before the official closure period begins on Nov. 1.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) will decide each day whether to implement closures based on current conditions. According to CDOT, “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.”
The eastward sun angle during morning hours can create blinding glare for drivers. This risk increases with leftover moisture on roadways from storms or pre-treatment materials, challenging terrain such as steep hills and sharp turns, and potential obstacles like wildlife crossing the highway.
CDOT notes that “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.”
When closures are in place, eastbound I-70 traffic will be rerouted at Exit 244 (US 6), located at the bottom of Floyd Hill. Motorists may continue along US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon or use the eastbound I-70 frontage road (US 40) to rejoin I-70 at Beaver Brook (Exit 248). Truck drivers should note there are height restrictions in Clear Creek Canyon tunnels; vehicles over 12 feet, seven inches cannot use this route.
Closures typically last between 45 and 60 minutes and may occur any time from sunrise until 8:30 a.m., from November through February each year.
Drivers are advised to watch for updates posted on overhead message boards starting just east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel. They can also find current travel alerts on COtrip.org.
