Sun glare safety closures to begin on I-70 in Colorado in November

Drivers traveling through Colorado should prepare for annual sun glare season on I-70 near Idaho Springs starting in November .

Each year, starting in early November and lasting through February, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will close eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill east of Idaho Springs from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. on sunny mornings.

The closures are necessary because “the sun’s angle, in combination with the hill and the highway’s configuration, can create a blinding sun glare for drivers as they head eastbound up Floyd Hill (about Mile Points 244 to 248 – east of Idaho Springs),” CDOT says.

Sun glare closures typically average around 45 minutes to an hour.

You can check out sun glare detour information from CDOT below:

• 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 they can take the eastbound I-70 frontage road (US 40) and get back onto I-70 at Beaver Brook (Exit 248).
• Truckers should be aware, there are height restrictions in the tunnels along US 6 Clear Creek Canyon, no vehicles over 12 feet and seven inches can travel this route. 

CDOT uses electronic sign boards prior to Floyd Hill to alert drivers of sun glare closures on I-70.

Here are some additional tips from CDOT for drivers traveling during sun glare season:

• 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
• Adjust your speed to avoid sudden reactions
• Let off the accelerator and slow down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes