SILVERTHORNE, COLORADO – Due to dangerous travel conditions and multiple vehicle accidents, the Colorado Department of Transportation has closed both west and east-bound lanes on Interstate 70. Those travelling should expect considerable delays throughout the afternoon and evening as snow continues to fall across the central mountains.
UPDATE: 3:22 P.M. MT:
As of 3:22 pm MT, CDOT reported online that westbound lanes of I-70 have re-opened to traffic.
Eastbound lanes on I-70 remain closed between Exit 203: CO 9; East Frisco and Exit 205: US 6; CO 9; Silverthorne (Silverthorne) at Mile Point 205.
UPDATE: 2:32 P.M. MT:
As of 2:32 p.m MT, CDOT reported online that the closures are as follows:
- Between Exit 216: US 6; Loveland Pass and Exit 205: US 6; CO 9; Silverthorne (1 to 9 miles east of Silverthorne) from Mile Point 215 to Mile Point 207.
- Between Exit 203: CO 9; East Frisco and Exit 205: US 6; CO 9; Silverthorne (Silverthorne) at Mile Point 205.
Loveland Pass remains open and accessible via US Highway 6, connecting I-70 with Keystone and Silverthorne, but adding approximately 40 minutes to the drive in these conditions.
To get updates or learn more, visit the CDOT Trip Planner here.
While closures of this stretch of I-70 are relatively common during winter storms, the decision to shut down the interstate is a serious one that comes with major impacts on transportation and the economy. A recent report found that every hour that the interstate closes costs the state economy nearly $2 million in activity.
Given this fact, CDOT will work to restore access as quickly as it can without putting the public in danger unnecessarily. The state recently invested significant new funds to upgrade their technology around the tunnel to prevent closures.
John Lorme, the transportation department’s director of maintenance, noted, “Travelers should expect to see snow on a more frequent basis along this corridor any day now and should start preparing for winter driving now,” Lorme said. “It’s critical that all motorists check their tires or invest in new snow tires ahead of the season and get familiar with Colorado’s Chain and Traction Laws.”
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