Drivers cautioned about sun glare safety closures on eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill

Travel Advisory

Oct. 27, 2025 - Denver Metro/Central Colorado - Motorists should expect delays in the early morning hours on sunny days starting Oct. 29

I-70 Mountain Corridor – Sun glare season has returned, meaning that on bright mornings, eastbound Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill (approximately Mile Points 244 to 248 – east of Idaho Springs) will be subject to closure from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. from early November through February. When closures occur, drivers traveling on eastbound I-70 should prepare for delays of up to an hour. The first closure will occur as a preparatory traffic hold at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, ahead of the official start of the closure period, Nov. 1.

Why the Closures Are Necessary

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 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

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.

Detour Route

If a sun glare safety closure is in place along eastbound I-70:

  • Traffic headed eastbound on I-70 will be rerouted at Exit 244 (US 6), which is at the bottom of Floyd Hill
  • Motorists can either stay the course on US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon or take the eastbound I-70 frontage road (US 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, seven inches can travel this route
  • The closures average 45 to 60 minutes and can occur between sunrise and 8:30 a.m. from November through February each year

Drivers who travel eastbound on I-70 in the early morning hours during fall and winter are urged to pay attention to the overhead message boards beginning just east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel. The signs will have the latest information on sun glare closures. Drivers can also check travel alerts on COtrip.org.

Other Driver Recommendations

  • Adjust your eastbound I-70 travel plans near Floyd Hill to before sunrise or later in the morning. Prepare for a sun glare safety closure to occur if you are traveling eastbound up Floyd Hill between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on sunny days, November through February
  • Make sure your windshield is clean – inside and out. Ensure your vehicle has plenty of windshield wiper fluid
  • Wear a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading
  • Expect traffic slowdowns between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. along I-70 eastbound near Floyd Hill, and adjust your speed to avoid sudden reactions
  • Let off the accelerator and slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes if suddenly blinded by the sun
  • Road conditions can change quickly at this time of year. Drivers can check the latest road and weather conditions at COtrip.org
  • For more information, visit www.codot.gov/travel/sunglare

Sun glare along eastbound I-70 near Floyd Hill
Sun glare along eastbound I-70 near Floyd Hill
Photo credit: Sergeant Major Don Enloe, Colorado State Patrol, Retired

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

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