If you hit I-70 eastbound early in the morning over the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed something new – temporary sun glare safety closures near Floyd Hill that began Saturday, Nov. 1. CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol began implementing short-term morning closures between sunrise and 8:30 a.m., on sunny days to help keep drivers safe through this stretch of highway.
Photo credit: Sergeant Major Don Enloe, Colorado State Patrol, Retired
Each year from November through February, the rising sun can create a dangerously blinding glare on eastbound I-70 between Idaho Springs and Floyd Hill (mile points 244 to 248). Combined with steep terrain, curves and even moisture on the roadway, the glare can make it nearly impossible for drivers to see ahead – increasing the risk of crashes.
To reduce those risks, eastbound traffic is temporarily held or rerouted when visibility becomes unsafe. Closures typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Drivers are redirected to Exit 244 (US 6) through Clear Creek Canyon or to the I-70 frontage road (US 40) to rejoin the interstate at Beaver Brook (Exit 248).
Some have asked if sun glare was a factor when looking at options for the I-70 Floyd Hill Project. The I-70 Floyd Hill Project team considered the issue of sun glare, but there is not a practical design solution to resolve the glare caused by the sun’s angle during the fall and winter months. The alignment of I-70 would have to be majorly shifted, or the highway would need to be completely covered to potentially make any meaningful difference, and that is not feasible due to the mountainous terrain. Sun glare is one of many realities of Mother Nature – like ice, snow, rain, and fog – that drivers face when traversing mountain roads.
With any of these factors, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and check COtrip.org or the COtrip app for real-time updates. Overhead message boards beginning near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel also alert drivers when sun glare closures are in place.
Even on days without closures, it’s smart to plan for bright conditions:
- Clean your windshield, inside and out
- Keep wiper fluid topped off
- Wear polarized sunglasses
- Slow down if you’re temporarily blinded by the sun, and avoid sudden braking
Sun glare closures may cause short delays, but they’re an important safety measure during the late fall and winter months. To stay informed about travel impacts and conditions, visit COtrip.org