Colorado officials shut down all lanes of Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 40 between the Morrison and Lookout Mountain exits on Wednesday after a westbound semitrailer caught fire and began leaking what authorities described as an acid-based hazardous material. The Colorado State Patrol, which is leading the response, said the truck driver escaped injury and is cooperating with troopers. Hazmat teams from the state transportation department and local agencies are working to contain the spill and assess roadway damage. Authorities have not provided an estimate for when the key mountain corridor west of Denver will reopen, and they are urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Extended Highway Closure I70 and Highway 40 Closed Follow @jeffcosheriffco for updates https://t.co/TghVsrh0u4
Update: Both directions of Interstate 70 and U.S. 40 are now closed https://t.co/WtPRU2mSJ8
New: Westbound I-70 and both directions of U.S. 40 were closed Wednesday morning in Jefferson County because of a semitrailer leaking hazardous material and ot’s unclear how long the highways will be closed, Jefferson County sheriff’s officials say https://t.co/hGMqsUWOMl