Colorado Drivers Beware: Sun Glare Closures Begin Nov. 1

The sun can be brutal in Colorado. Not only in the summer months with the heat, but in the winter months, too, and for a different reason. If you are new to Colorado, you'd better be prepared for this upcoming winter, not just because of the snow.

Why Sun Glare Is So Dangerous for Drivers

Sun glare in Colorado during the winter can be, for all intents and purposes, blinding in the morning hours just after sunrise. So intense that it will close roads in Colorado during the morning hours because it is so dangerous.

Saturday, November 1, kicks off the sun glare closures on one major Colorado interstate going east. If you are planning on taking a drive eastbound on Interstate 70 at Floyd Hill in the morning hours starting November 1, through February.

Closures Could Last Up to an Hour

According to 9 News, the closures will happen on a case-by-case basis, decided upon in collaboration between Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Department of Transportation. These closures could take place anytime between sunrise and 8:30 a.m. and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

READ MORE: Colorado Drivers Warned About Slick Road Conditions

Interstate 70 eastbound at Floyd Hill directs drivers to the southeast, putting the sun's morning glare directly into drivers' eyes. As you can imagine, this is a very dangerous situation on a very dangerous stretch of interstate in Colorado.

When you add wet or icy roads to the blinding sunlight, it can get even worse. Thankfully, these closures will have detour routes for drivers to navigate. Eastbound traffic on Interstate 70 during a sun glare closure will be rerouted at Exit 244, at the bottom of Floyd Hill.

The best thing for drivers to do to avoid adding more distractions to the sun glare during the winter months in Colorado is to have a clean windshield, plenty of wiper fluid, be patient and expect traffic to slow, and wear a good pair of sunglasses.

READ MORE: Colorado Highways Ranked Most Dangerous in the U.S.

I swear by a good pair of polarized sunglasses and always, I mean, always, keep an extra pair in my truck for when the moment hits and I forget them on the kitchen counter.

Stay Updated Before Hitting the Road

Before heading east on Interstate 70 near Floyd Hill, be sure to check COtrip.org to see updated closures and warnings. Obviously, you are going to want to check this before you start driving. Sun glare and looking at your phone while driving? That sounds like a recipe for disaster.