I-70 closed as vehicles struggle to climb steep hill west of Denver
UPDATE: Both directions of I-70 were re-opened shortly after midnight.
Trucks failing to gain traction on the snow-covered lanes of Interstate 70 west of Denver clogged traffic to the point that highway officials closed the highway Friday night.
Snowplows and tow trucks had issues getting through traffic to assist the stuck trucks, prompting the closure of eastbound lanes of I-70 from the bottom of Floyd Hill to its summit.
A smaller number of passengers cars also contributed to the problem.
The westbound lanes were closed around 8:30 p.m. "due to safety concerns," as CDOT indicated. The closure point was moved downhill to Morrison Road just before 10 p.m., extending the length of closed highway.
The closure comes as the snow and low temperatures move out of the high country and into the Front Range.
Roads will gradually become icy and snow packed at lower elevations along the I-25 Corridor through the late evening hours as temperatures continue to drop. #cowx pic.twitter.com/NAwR87RUIf
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 9, 2023
The eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed between mile markers 243 and 251 just before 8 p.m.
An adjacent section of U.S. 40 which is often used as a frontage road was also closed.
Traffic Alert 🚨
— CSP Golden (@csp_golden) December 9, 2023
I70 EB from MP 244 to MP 248 is closed
Multiples vehicles spun out and a CMV lost its trailer which is blocking all 4 lanes
US 40 not advised
Multiple vehicles also stuck there
Traction law & Chain Law in effect
Accident Alert for Jefferson & Clear Creek pic.twitter.com/EKpFVwN3cE