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SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — Significant snowfall forced the closure of Interstate 70 in several places Saturday afternoon.

A large multi-vehicle crash closed eastbound I-70 between Frisco and Silverthorne. The Colorado State Patrol said a tanker truck carrying hazardous materials was involved in that 20-vehicle crash. Troopers also said it was leaking. The State Patrol said it was not aware of any serious injuries.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation said about 15 vehicles were spun out at mile marker 211 about 6 miles east of Silverthorne. The eastbound lanes of the interstate are closed there. It reopened shortly after 6 p.m.

Earlier, troopers closed eastbound I-70 at Vail because of adverse conditions and numerous crashes along the highway. Closures were in place eastbound at Copper Mountain and Frisco. Frisco and Copper reopened just after 6:15 p.m., Vail Pass reopened at 7:45 p.m.

Shelters were opened for drivers who are standard or who decided to wait until road conditions improve at:

  • Silverthorne Recreation Center: 430 Rainbow Drive, Silverthorne
  • Summit Middle School: 158 School Road, Frisco
  • Vail: 75 South Frontage Road West, Vail

The Colorado Department of Transportation said westbound I-70 was closed at the Empire Junction exit, west of Idaho Springs around midday. That safety closure was lifted at about 2:30 p.m.

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