I-70 reopens west of Denver after hydrochloric acid spill

Interstate 70 was closed for several hours west of Denver on Wednesday due to a hazardous materials incident in the morning involving a semitruck. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the interstate was closed about 8:30 a.m. after a semi heading westbound leaked hazardous materials. The closure stretched into the early afternoon and the interstate was fully lifted open by 3:30 p.m.

Highway 40 was also closed for hours in both directions due to the hazmat incident as crews worked to clean up what authorities said was leaked hydrochloric acid, which is a strong corrosive liquid.

The crews were working to make sure the chemical didn't wind up in the soil around the interstate.

Colorado State Patrol is investigating the incident.

A second hazmat incident occurred when a semi rolled over on South Grapevine Road, south of the I-70 closure. The road was closed in both directions because of the resulting fuel spill. Authorities said they expected that road to remain closed for several hours.

Drivers were urged to take an alternate route and avoid the area during the interstate closure.