DENVER - Major delays will continue on eastbound Interstate 70 into the Friday evening rush-hour after a semi-truck's load hit the Interstate 270 flyover ramp to I-70, damaging a girder, state highway officials said.

The I-270 flyover has been closed since about 10:30 a.m. after the collision. Meanwhile, Colorado Department of Transportation bridge engineers inspection of the damage ended about 3:30 p.m., CDOT spokeswoman Mindy Crane said.

CDOT expects to reopen one of the two lanes of the flyover ramp Friday night, she said.

However, a conservative estimate is that the left lane of the I-270 flyover ramp could remain closed up to one month while repairs are designed and completed, Crane said.

"For the safety of the traveling public, the left lane on I-270 over I-70 must remain closed until further notice," she said. "At this time, it is unknown how long the closure will be in place as CDOT bridge engineers need to complete the design for repairs and then a contractor needs to be obtained."

More details on the timing of the repairs will be available next week, Crane added.

Meanwhile, motorists on eastbound I-270 needing access to eastbound I-70 can use Quebec Street as an alternative.

The closed ramp is causing major delays on eastbound I-70 and motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes through the evening rush-hour, Crane said.