Is I-70 Prone to Closures?
If you have ever tried to time a weekend drive, catch a flight, or squeeze in a ski day, you have probably asked this question. The short answer is yes, I-70 can be prone to closures, but it depends on where you are on the route and what season you are traveling.
Most of the closure risk people talk about comes from I-70’s high elevation sections in the Rocky Mountains, where weather, terrain, and heavy traffic all collide. In flatter stretches across the Plains and Midwest, closures are less frequent, but major winter storms, high winds, and multi vehicle crashes can still shut the road down.
What matters for planning is not just whether closures happen, but why they happen and what you can do to reduce the chance of getting stuck.
Why I-70 Closes More Often in Mountain Sections
Mountain interstates behave differently than highways at lower elevations. Steep grades, tight canyons, and fast changing conditions create more “single point” problems, where one incident can block the entire corridor.
Common closure triggers include:
Heavy snow and whiteout conditions
Spin outs and crashes on steep grades
Avalanche mitigation or slide activity in nearby paths
Rockfall or debris in canyon areas
Commercial vehicle issues on climbs and descents
Even when the pavement is plowed, traction can change quickly in shaded areas, on bridges, and near tunnel approaches. That is why a drive that looks fine at the start can turn into a slow crawl later.
The Most Common Times Closures Happen
Closures are not random. They tend to cluster around a few predictable patterns.
Winter storms and rapid temperature swings
Snow is the obvious one, but quick shifts from sun to snow can be just as disruptive. Melt during the day followed by a hard freeze at night can create slick lanes, especially on grades.
Peak travel windows
High traffic does not cause the weather, but it does amplify problems. A single spin out during a busy window can block lanes and trigger a chain reaction of slowdowns, secondary crashes, and safety holds.
Shoulder season surprises
Fall and spring can be sneaky. You can leave in dry conditions and hit a squall at higher elevations. Drivers also tend to be less prepared for winter style hazards outside midwinter.
Closures vs Delays: What Most Travelers Actually Experience
A full shutdown gets attention, but delays are far more common. You might see rolling slowdowns, lane restrictions, metering through a problem area, or extended stop and go traffic after a crash.
If you are building a plan, treat long delays as part of the same risk category as closures. Both can derail a tight schedule.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Caught in a Closure
You cannot control the mountain, but you can control how you travel through it.
Plan around conditions, not the calendar
Check road conditions and forecasts before you leave, then check again close to departure. In mountains, the most useful information is often “what is happening right now,” not what the morning forecast said.
Build flexibility into your timing
If you have a hard deadline, add buffer. A small crash on a steep section can cause a long backup even when weather is mild.
Drive a vehicle that matches the season
Good tires matter more than most people want to admit. If winter is possible where you are going, assume you may need winter capable traction and bring the basics for staying warm if you are stopped.
Know that controls can appear quickly
In active winter patterns, agencies may apply traction requirements or hold traffic for safety operations. Even if you are not cited, being unprepared can leave you stuck behind a closure instead of getting through before it starts.
If I-70 Is Closed, What Are Your Best Options?
When a closure happens in a canyon or on a pass, there is often no fast workaround. Alternate routes may be longer, lower, or just as hazardous, depending on the storm.
A practical approach:
Avoid committing to a detour until you understand why the closure happened
If the shutdown is weather related, detours can be equally risky
If it is crash related, reopening may happen faster than a long reroute
If you are already near a safe town, waiting it out can be the smartest move
The best decision is usually the one that keeps you off unfamiliar roads in poor visibility.
FAQ
Is I-70 more likely to close in winter?
In higher elevation sections, winter increases the chance of closures and major delays. Snow, wind, and low visibility create conditions that can escalate quickly.
Do closures happen even when it is not snowing?
Yes. Crashes, rockfall, debris, and safety operations can close the road in any season. In mountains, a dry day can still include hazards in shaded or narrow areas.
How early should I check conditions before a trip?
Check the day before for the big picture, then check again right before you leave. Conditions can change fast, and the most accurate picture is the most recent update.
Bottom Line
I-70 can be prone to closures, especially in mountain corridors where weather, terrain, and traffic make disruptions more likely. The best strategy is simple: plan with flexibility, travel with the right equipment for the season, and make decisions based on current conditions, not hope.