Westbound lanes on a stretch of Interstate 70 reopened Thursday evening after a two-hour closure because of safety concerns.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said I-70 westbound reopened from Burlington, Exit 438, to Limon, Exit 361, in a 5:43 p.m. tweet.
westbound: Road closed due to safety concerns between Exit 438 – Rose Avenue and Exit 361 – Limon. I-70 closed from Burlington to Limon Westbound
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT)
The Colorado State Patrol on Thursday afternoon said that high winds and blowing snow has contributed to multiple crashes, including a fatal incident. Conditions are extreme in Lincoln and Elbert counties, CSP said.
“We have a mess out there,” said Master Trooper Gary Cutler of the CSP.
During the afternoon, there were at least 18 crashes on I-70 east of Aurora to the Kansas state line, Cutler said.
One crash, which happened about 1 p.m. near Limon in the eastbound lanes, was fatal. The crash involved a semitruck and a vehicle. Both drivers were taken to a hospital and a passenger in one of the vehicles died, Cutler said.
I70 conditions still bad in Lincoln and Elbert counties. High winds, blowing snow. Multiple crashes, one crash that is fatal. Please avoid the area.
— CSP Limon (@CSP_Limon)
The eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed from Deer Trail to Limon, about a 33-mile stretch, also for safety reasons. Colorado 59 was closed from Kit Carson to U.S. 36. Both stretches of highway reopened at about the same time as I-70 westbound.
About 4 p.m. Thursday, the wind in Limon was gusting to 43 mph, with 72% humidity and a wind-chill temperature of 8 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Burlington is under similar weather conditions, with snow showers and patchy, blowing snow.
While most cameras across the state show improving road conditions, there are still a few spots with snow and blowing snow. Be prepared for slick driving conditions in spots, especially along the I-70 corridor!
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder)
