Denver, September 4, 2025
News Summary
An overturned shuttle buggy on southbound Interstate 25 led to significant traffic disruptions for commuters on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. near Park Avenue, resulting in severe backups and increased travel times to nearly two hours from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported challenges in clearing the 80,000-pound buggy, which took crews about eight hours to remove. Traffic experts recommend alternative routes as construction carries on.
Denver
An overturned shuttle buggy on southbound Interstate 25 caused major traffic delays on Wednesday morning, resulting in severe slowdowns for commuters. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. near Park Avenue, where the shuttle buggy, utilized for transferring hot asphalt, flipped onto its side, leaving only one lane of the highway open for vehicles.
Traffic experts reported significant delays, with the drive time from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver escalating to nearly two hours by 6:30 a.m. Congestion spilled over onto adjacent side streets, including Federal Boulevard, N. Pecos Street, and Washington Street, dramatically impacting the morning rush hour.
To alleviate the gridlock, traffic experts recommended York Street as an alternative route to I-25. However, at around 10 a.m., conditions worsened when all but one lane of southbound I-25 was closed for safety reasons, further compounding the delays.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) confirmed that the overturned shuttle buggy weighed approximately 80,000 pounds, complicating its removal process. Crews were dispatched to right the shuttle buggy and clean up hydraulic fluid that had leaked from the equipment onto the roadway. After several hours of work, the vehicle was finally cleared from the highway at about 12:23 p.m., nearly eight hours after the initial incident.
CDOT officials indicated that construction crews had delayed in removing traffic cones from a resurfacing project, contributing to the chaotic traffic situation. Aerial footage from the scene captured extensive traffic backups stretching for miles during the height of the morning commute. In light of the incident, CDOT announced plans to conduct an after-action review with the involved project teams and contractors to assess the situation and improve future operations.
Impact on Commuters
Commuters experienced prolonged delays throughout the morning, with some drivers stuck in traffic for an unusually long time. Many reported becoming frustrated as they navigated around the traffic obstacles caused by the overturned equipment. The incident highlighted the importance of timely responses and safety measures on busy highways, particularly during peak travel times.
Safety and Future Measures
The aftermath of this incident will likely bring about discussions on safety protocols and highway management during construction projects. CDOT’s review will aim to identify lessons learned and implement better practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
The overturned shuttle buggy incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in construction operations on major roadways. As traffic continues to grow in urban centers like Denver, the need for efficient and rapid response systems is crucial in minimizing disruptions to commuters.
FAQs
What caused the major traffic delays on I-25 in Denver?
The delays were caused by an overturned shuttle buggy used for transferring hot asphalt, which flipped onto its side and reduced southbound I-25 to one lane.
What was the impact on traffic?
Traffic delays were severe, with travel times from 104th Avenue to downtown reaching nearly two hours. Side streets also experienced significant congestion.
How long did it take to clear the scene?
Crews worked for approximately eight hours to clear the shuttle buggy from the highway, with operations concluding around 12:23 p.m.
What actions will CDOT take after this incident?
CDOT plans to conduct an after-action review with project teams and contractors to evaluate the situation and improve future highway safety and efficiency during construction operations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Overturned construction equipment |
| Location | Southbound I-25 near Park Avenue, Denver |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, around 4:30 a.m. |
| Equipment Involved | Shuttle buggy for hot asphalt |
| Weight of Shuttle Buggy | Approximately 80,000 pounds |
| Clearance Time | 12:23 p.m., about eight hours after the incident |
| Alternative Routes | York Street recommended |
| Post-Incident Actions | CDOT after-action review planned |
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
