Coming soon to I-70 at Floyd Hill is sun-glare season, when CDOT shuts down eastbound lanes for blinding morning sun.
The first closure is a planned closure, beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. I-70 could be closed for up to one hour.
Sun-glare closures can happen any day from November to February, but they do not happen every day. CDOT explains why you might encounter one, and why they are critical in that steep, tight stretch of interstate:
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.
Complicating the corridor is construction at Floyd Hill. Unlike other mountain road work, this project continues year-round.
There will be detours during sun-glare closures:
- Traffic headed eastbound on I-70 will be rerouted at Exit 244 (U.S. Highway 6), which is at the bottom of Floyd Hill.
- Motorists can either stay the course on U.S. 6 through Clear Creek Canyon or take the eastbound I-70 frontage road (U.S. 40) and get back onto I-70 at Beaver Brook (Exit 248).
- Truckers should be aware that there are height restrictions in the tunnels along US 6 Clear Creek Canyon; no vehicles over 12 feet, 7 inches can travel this route.