On clear days the State Patrol and CDOT will close eastbound lanes starting at sunrise

Eastbound drivers on Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill can expect delays when the eastbound lanes are closed from sunrise to 8:30 a.m. from Nov. 1 through February on sunny days due to the intense sun’s glare in drivers’ eyes as they top Floyd Hill.
Moisture on the highway, steep hills and curves can combine with dirty windshields to create serious impairment to drivers’ vision, according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The highway lines up with the sun as it rises, leading to numerous glare-related crashes. The sunrise delays were implemented after several serious accidents as a safety measure. The delays will be implemented only on mornings when the sky is clear and may delay drivers by up to an hour.
There are some detour routes available, but they are generally two-lane roads in twisty terrain with lower speed limits where crowds of eastbound vehicles may tie up traffic.
CDOT provides information for drivers wishing to bypass the closures.
• Traffic headed eastbound on I-70 will be rerouted at Exit 244 (U.S. 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 U.S. 6 Clear Creek Canyon — no vehicles over 12 feet, 7 inches can travel this route.
“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, said the department in an annual advisory.
Overhead message boards beginning just east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel will have the latest information on sun glare closures. Drivers can also check travel alerts on COtrip.org.
Other Driver Recommendations from CDOT
• 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 shade.
• Expect traffic slowdowns between 6:30 a.m. 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