Denver, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Denver faced significant traffic disruptions on southbound Interstate 25 after a shuttle buggy overturned early Wednesday morning. The incident, occurring near Park Avenue, led to severe delays for commuters, causing drive times to nearly double. By mid-morning, only one lane remained open, complicating cleanup efforts for the 80,000-pound vehicle. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advised alternative routes and announced plans for an after-action review to improve future operations and safety protocols.
Denver experienced significant traffic disruptions on southbound Interstate 25 due to an overturned shuttle buggy on Wednesday morning. The incident unfolded around 4:30 a.m. near Park Avenue, quickly leading to severe delays for morning commuters and backup on surrounding routes.
The shuttle buggy, primarily used for transporting hot asphalt, flipped on its side, reducing the busy highway to just one lane. By 6:30 a.m., drive times from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver had nearly doubled to almost two hours. This resulted in heavy congestion on alternate routes, including Federal Boulevard, N. Pecos Street, and Washington Street. Traffic experts advised drivers to take York Street as a preferable detour to avoid the affected section of I-25.
Approximately at 10 a.m., the situation worsened as safety issues prompted the closure of all but one lane of southbound I-25, further exacerbating the delays. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) revealed that the shuttle buggy weighed around 80,000 pounds, complicating the efforts to remove it from the highway. Cleanup crews were also tasked with addressing the hydraulic fluid that leaked during the incident.
The resulting traffic backups were substantial, as demonstrated by aerial footage capturing miles-long congestion during peak rush hour. After approximately eight hours of intensive work, the equipment was finally cleared from the highway around 12:23 p.m. The lengthy delay was further attributed to construction crews who had failed to timely remove traffic cones from a resurfacing project, leading to heightened traffic issues.
In the aftermath of the incident, CDOT announced plans for an after-action review involving project teams and contractors to evaluate the situation and improve future operations. This review aims to address protocol adherence during construction efforts and improve public safety measures on busy routes.
Traffic flow has since returned to normal, but officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness for unforeseen events that can impact transit times on major highways. They urge drivers to allow for extra time when traveling, especially in areas undergoing construction.
Background Information
Interstate 25 is a crucial artery for transportation in Denver, connecting various suburbs and essential destinations. The shuttle buggy, commonly utilized in construction efforts for road maintenance, plays a significant role in infrastructure projects, especially during peak travel seasons.
CDOT is responsible for maintaining road safety standards and facilitating smooth traffic flow across state highways. Events like the one that occurred on Wednesday underline the potential challenges faced in construction zones and highlight the need for thorough planning and execution during such projects.
FAQ
What caused the traffic delays on I-25 in Denver?
An overturned shuttle buggy used for transferring hot asphalt caused significant traffic delays on southbound I-25.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday near Park Avenue.
How long did it take to clear the shuttle buggy?
The shuttle buggy was cleared from the highway around 12:23 p.m., approximately eight hours after it overturned.
What are the alternative routes recommended to avoid I-25?
Traffic experts recommended taking York Street as an alternative route to avoid the congested section of I-25.
What will CDOT do following the incident?
CDOT plans to conduct an after-action review with project teams and contractors involved to improve future operations and safety protocols.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 4:30 a.m. |
| Location | Southbound I-25 near Park Avenue |
| Weight of Shuttle Buggy | 80,000 pounds |
| Time to Clear | Approximately 8 hours |
| Traffic Delay Impact | Drive time increased to nearly 2 hours |
| Alternative Routes | York Street recommended |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
