Update – 10 a.m. (10/17) – On Monday, Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew joined Colorado State Patrol District 2 Commander, Major Brian Lyons, Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt and FHWA Colorado Division Administrator John Cater to inspect the derailed train and the associated damage to I-25 and the collapsed rail bridge crossing the interstate. The National Transportation Safety Board is now conducting its investigation into the incident, and any updates regarding the incident will come from the NTSB.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway continues to function as the primary entity dealing with the cleanup, response and reconstruction. All entities will work together to safely open the interstate in conjunction with the NTSB investigation.
CDOT and FHWA emphasized the importance of restoring connectivity safely and quickly to I-25 so that the vital link between Pueblo and Colorado Springs is restored. BNSF and CDOT officials began discussions regarding the process for clearing the site and making necessary repairs to the roadway. That work will begin as soon as NTSB gives clearance. If possible, some cleaning activities further away from the crash site may begin as allowed.
BNSF estimates that clearing activities will take approximately two days, once the cleanup begins. As all of the entities involved determine other timeline elements, additional details and updates will be shared with the public.
Meanwhile, detours remain in place with the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement patrolling these designated routes to ensure motorists adhere to posted speed limits.
Pueblo – Interstate 25 remains closed in both directions just north of Pueblo at Mile Point 107.38. The closure occurred at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15 due to a freight train derailment. There are approximately 6-7 train cars and the coal they were carrying scattered across both lanes of I-25. There is significant damage to the railroad bridge crossing I-25. Both northbound and southbound lanes will remain closed until crews are able to make further assessments and give more specific updates. Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance patrols are assisting with traffic control.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the derailment and are expected to arrive Monday afternoon. It is unknown how long the investigation will take.
Local Traffic Detour Routes:
- Motorists who may be south of Fountain and traveling southbound on I-25 towards the City of Pueblo will be detoured to exit 110 toward Overton Road then toward Jerry Murphy; motorists will then head toward I-25 via westbound Colorado Highway 47.
- This access route is recommended for local traffic only.
Suggested Through Traffic Detour Routes:
- Southbound: Motorists in the Colorado Springs area traveling southbound are advised to take Colorado Highway 115 toward Penrose and then proceed east on US Highway 50 toward the City of Pueblo.
- Northbound: Motorists traveling northbound are advised to exit I-25 at US 50/CO 47 and travel west toward CO 115. Motorists will then head north toward Colorado Springs.
Drivers using CO 115 will encounter a 12-mile long construction project. Motorists should expect temporary driving surfaces and frequent traffic pattern changes. Traffic impacts include:
- One lane is open in each direction
- Reduced speed limit of 45 mph
- Width restriction of 11-feet
Suggested Wide-load Detour Routes:
Vehicles over 11-feet wide should seek alternate highway routes as CO 115 has current width restrictions in place.
- Eastbound: drive east via US 50 or CO 96 to CO 71
- Westbound: drive west on US 50 and then use US 285
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
- Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
- Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
- Be patient!
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!