"We have to do this for the safety of the candidates and the public, as well," said Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Stacey Stegman.

The debate between President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but the closure is likely to affect the rush hour commute and last until after the debate is over and candidates are safely away from the area, she said.

CDOT is expected to announce more specific plans on Wednesday, including detours. Commuters, however, will be encouraged to avoid the area entirely, if possible.

"There are still a lot of details that have to be worked out," Stegman said Tuesday evening.

Read more news on the Denver Post

(Copyright 2012 The Denver Post)