The annual sunshine closure on EB I-70 in Floyd Hill will begin in November.

The annual morning closure of eastbound Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill due to sun glare will begin soon and last through February, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said Thursday morning.

Closing is carried out daily, depending on conditions. On a sunny morning, CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) close the interstate for safety reasons as bright lights can blind drivers.

“Eastbound sun glare can blind drivers, especially when moisture remains on the roadway from the storm or from pre-storm road treatment materials,” CDOT said. “Additionally, mountain driving conditions include steep hills, sharp turns, and possibly wildlife crossing the highway. For these reasons, solar shutters on Floyd Hill become necessary. This is a joint effort between CSP and CDOT to keep motorists engaged. as safe as possible.”

Colorado State Patrol

When the sun glare restriction is in place, drivers in the eastbound lanes of I-70 near Floyd Hill will be diverted to Exit 244, at the base of the hill, onto US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon. Drivers can stay on this highway or can merge onto eastbound I-70 (US 40) and return to the interstate at Exit 248 toward Beaver Brook. Delays can reach up to an hour.

Drivers heading east on I-70 can find the latest sun glare information at message boards starting east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel or by visiting COtrip.org.

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This year, the first closure could occur as early as November 3.

“The angle of the sun, combined with the hill and highway configuration, can create blinding sun glare for drivers as they head east up Floyd Hill (approximately 244 to 248 miles – east of Idaho Springs),” CDOT said. “Intense sunshine occurs to the east in the Genesee area starting at sunrise and continuing until approximately 8:30 a.m.”