A motor vehicle fire on Monday morning has forced multiple road closures on I-70 and Highway 40, prompting detours and significant travel disruptions for commuters and commercial vehicles.
The incident occurred near the Morrison and Lookout Mountain exits, with officials estimating that the closures could last three to four hours. The Colorado State Patrol responded to a semitruck fire on I-70 at mile marker 258 at approximately 7:51 a.m.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the vehicle was traveling westbound at the time of the incident. Hazmat crews were dispatched to the scene due to the hazardous nature of the cargo, which preliminary investigations indicate included hydrochloric acid.
Fortunately, no crash or injuries have been reported. The closure affects I-70 at milepost 258 and Highway 40 between mileposts 283 and 285. Officials reported that the truck became high-centered on Grapevine Road south of the I-70 closure, creating what is now being classified as a secondary hazardous materials situation.
As a result, emergency teams are taking precautions to contain the chemicals and prevent environmental or public safety hazards. In addition to the closures on I-70 and Highway 40, reports have emerged of commercial trucks becoming stuck on the Lariat Loop on Lookout Mountain.
Authorities are working to clear the roadway and coordinate safe detours for all vehicles affected by the closures. For eastbound traffic on I-70, drivers are advised to exit at Evergreen and follow Hwy 285 as an alternate route.
Westbound travelers are encouraged to use exit C-470 or Colfax Avenue to bypass the closure. Passenger vehicles may also use US 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Commercial trucks traveling westbound are advised to stage in the Denver area until the interstate reopens, while eastbound trucks already on I-70 should stage west of exit 256 until it is safe to proceed.
Emergency personnel, including firefighters, state patrol officers, and hazmat crews, are on-site working to extinguish the fire, stabilize the vehicle, and ensure that the hazardous material is safely contained.
Officials are taking extensive precautions to protect both the public and the environment, given the chemical nature of the truck’s cargo. Residents in nearby areas have been urged to avoid the closure zones and follow official directions.
CDOT and local law enforcement continue to monitor the situation and provide real-time updates regarding road conditions, alternate routes, and expected reopening times.
While authorities are aiming to reopen the affected sections within a few hours, travelers are encouraged to plan for significant delays. The fire highlights the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials and the importance of rapid response from emergency services to mitigate potential dangers.
