Press Release: I-70 Shutdown Amid Severe Winter Weather in Colorado
DENVER – Severe winter weather conditions have forced the closure of both directions of Interstate 70 from just east of Denver to near the Kansas state line. The Colorado Department of Transportation announced that I-70 is shut down between Exit 292 (Airpark Blvd.) and Exit 438 (Burlington).
Numerous accidents, including jackknifed semi-trucks, have contributed to the hazardous conditions, prompting closures of multiple roads in the region, as stated by the Colorado State Patrol. A winter weather advisory is in effect until 5 PM Thursday, with forecasts predicting blowing snow and wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder warns drivers to prepare for low visibility caused by blowing and drifting snow, with conditions expected to be at their worst late Thursday morning before gradually improving in the afternoon.
In addition to I-70, several other highways are also closed, affecting travel across the region. These include:
- I-70 Eastbound/Westbound from Airpark Blvd (Exit 292) to Burlington (Exit 438)
- US 40 Eastbound/Westbound from Limon to Kit Carson
- US 385 Northbound/Southbound between Burlington and US 36 (MP 216)
- CO 24 Westbound from Burlington to Siebert
- CO 71 Northbound/Southbound from Limon to Ordway
Travelers are advised to avoid these routes and seek alternative paths until the weather conditions improve. Updates on the situation will be provided as it develops.
Stay safe and heed all advisories while navigating during this winter weather event.