Challenges continued on Interstate 70 through Colorado's mountain passes during Christmas Day, as heavy snow led to road closures and treacherous driving conditions. Following a series of spin-outs, slide-offs, and crashes, parts of I-70 near Georgetown were temporarily shut down, as reported by KDVR. Colorado State Patrol in Golden stated that the interstate was closed while crews addressed these incidents.
Those wishing to travel westbound on I-70 found relief later in the evening as the route reopened at Georgetown, although the eastbound lanes at the Eisenhower Tunnel experienced a hold-up due to a crash just east of the tunnel, the closure had since been lifted. According to Denver7, The Colorado State Patrol recommended that drivers avoid mountain travel following the adverse conditions, noting that staying in Denver was the "best option" given the limited availability of lodging and parking in Clear Creek County.
The reopening of I-70 in both directions brought some relief to holiday travelers, yet neighboring U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass had to be closed for snow removal, creating an additional hurdle. "Hazmat vehicles at the tunnel for hourly passage," was another specific action taken to manage the wintry challenges, as detailed by The Denver Post.
