‘Extended’ closure on I-70 expected near tunnels following multi-vehicle crash in Colorado mountains

The Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office estimated that more than 75 vehicles were involved in the crash that caused both directions of Interstate 70 to close for “an extended period of time,” according to the office’s social media post.
Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy photo

4:06 p.m.: On top of the full Interstate 70 closure near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, I-70 westbound is closed over Vail Pass for a crash.

4 p.m.: The Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office stated that the crash occurred on the on-ramp of eastbound Interstate 70, where traffic from U.S. Highway 6 merges into I-70. Deputies estimated more than 75 vehicles were involved, according to a social media post.

I-70 is still closed in both directions near mile marker 216 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels and is expected to be closed for “an extended period of time,” according to Colorado State Patrol.

Alternate routes are advised, and this story will be updated as more information is released.

3:50 p.m.: Both directions of travel on Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels are expected to be closed for “an extended period of time,” following a “large, multi-vehicle” crash, according to a Colorado State Patrol press release.

Alternative routes are advised.

The Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office estimated that more than 75 vehicles were involved in the crash that caused both directions of Interstate 70 to close for “an extended period of time,” according to the office’s social media post. Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy photo

3:20 p.m.: A multi-vehicle crash has closed eastbound Interstate 70 through Colorado’s mountains following a multi-vehicle crash, according to COtrip.org.

The crash comes following numerous closures on Interstate 70 and other highways during a snowstorm that has brought a few inches of accumulation to valleys and icy conditions on mountain passes. There are more chances for snow later this week.

Traction and chain laws are in effect. For more information, visit CODOT.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.

For the latest weather alerts, visit Weather.gov/bou. For traffic alerts and road conditions, visit COtrip.org.

Traffic backs up at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on April 14, 2026 following a multi-vehicle crash. Colorado Department of Transportation/Courtesy photo