News Summary
A major traffic disruption occurred on southbound Interstate 25 in Denver due to an overturned shuttle buggy. The accident led to the closure of most lanes, resulting in severe congestion for morning commuters. Traffic delays ballooned travel times significantly, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes. Cleanup and stabilization efforts were underway, and authorities planned an after-action review to improve future safety procedures. This incident highlights the need for efficient traffic management during construction activities.
Denver Faces Major Traffic Delays Due to Overturned Construction Equipment on I-25
Denver, CO — A significant traffic disruption occurred on southbound Interstate 25 (I-25) early Wednesday morning after an overturned shuttle buggy caused extensive delays near the downtown area. The incident led to the closure of most southbound lanes and disrupted the morning commute for thousands of drivers.
Timeline and Immediate Impact
The accident took place around 4:30 a.m. near Park Avenue, when the shuttle buggy, used to transfer hot asphalt during construction activities, flipped onto its side. The shuttle, weighing approximately 80,000 pounds, was a critical piece of equipment used for roadwork along the corridor. Its overturn reduced traffic on southbound I-25 to a single lane, creating severe congestion for early commuters.
By 6:30 a.m., traffic experts confirmed that travel times from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver had ballooned to nearly two hours. Travelers reported extensive backups, especially during the peak morning rush, with traffic on surrounding side streets like Federal Boulevard, N. Pecos Street, and Washington Street experiencing significant congestion. Many drivers sought alternative routes, with York Street recommended as a viable detour to navigate around the blockage effectively.
Progress in Cleanup and Lane Closures
By approximately 10 a.m., safety concerns prompted officials to close all but one southbound lane of I-25. Crews from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began efforts to stabilize and right the overturned shuttle buggy. Hydraulics and mechanical teams worked diligently to manage hydraulic fluid leaks from the equipment, reducing potential hazards on the roadway.
It was anticipated that full clearance would take several hours, and indeed, the equipment was finally removed from the highway by 12:23 p.m.. This process took about eight hours from the initial overturn but was necessary to ensure safety and thorough cleanup.
Additional Factors Contributing to Delays
While the overturned equipment was the primary cause of the delays, officials also identified another contributing factor—delays in the removal of construction cones from a resurfacing project on the same stretch of I-25. According to CDOT, construction crews had been late in removing these cones, which exacerbated congestion during the morning hours.
The combined effect of the equipment incident and the slow removal of traffic control devices resulted in traffic backups that stretched for miles. Aerial footage showed extensive congestion, with commuters caught in standstill traffic for hours during the peak morning period.
Response and Next Steps
CDOT confirmed that once the shuttle buggy was stabilized and the hydraulic fluid cleaned, crews proceeded with the removal process. Between efforts to clear the scene and address safety concerns, the entire operation was completed just before noon.
In response to the incident, CDOT announced plans to conduct an after-action review involving project teams and contractors. The review aims to analyze the chain of events, identify any procedural shortcomings, and improve safety and efficiency for future construction activities along major corridors.
Background and Context
I-25 is a key transportation corridor in Denver, frequently subject to construction projects and traffic disruptions. Incidents involving construction equipment can significantly impact traffic flow, especially during peak hours. Proper coordination and timely removal of construction devices are critical to minimizing delays and ensuring safety for all road users.
This event underscores the importance of efficient roadway management during construction activities and highlights the potential consequences of delays in project timelines and safety procedures. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and will update the public on any further developments or adjustments to traffic management strategies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Denver 7
- Wikipedia: Traffic Management
- Denver Post
- Google Search: Traffic Delays Denver
- 9 News
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents I-25
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- KDVR
- Google News: Denver Construction Traffic
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