Denver, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Denver experienced significant traffic delays on southbound Interstate 25 after an overturned shuttle buggy caused lane reductions. The situation escalated during the morning commute, with travel times drastically increased as traffic spilled onto side streets. Efforts were made to clear the highway, but delays extended for hours. The incident has raised concerns regarding traffic management during construction and prompted a review by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Denver experienced significant traffic delays on southbound Interstate 25 this morning due to an overturned shuttle buggy. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. near Park Avenue, causing the highway to be reduced to one lane as the shuttle buggy, which is typically used for transferring hot asphalt, flipped onto its side.
The situation escalated during the morning rush hour, with Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber reporting severe slowdowns for commuters trying to reach their destinations. By 6:30 a.m., drive times from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver stretched to nearly two hours, far exceeding the normal commute time, and heavy congestion spilled onto nearby side streets including Federal Boulevard, N. Pecos Street, and Washington Street.
To alleviate some of the traffic woes, traffic experts recommended York Street as an alternative route to bypass the delays on I-25. Unfortunately, the conditions worsened when, at approximately 10 a.m., all but one lane of southbound I-25 was closed for safety reasons as crews worked to address the overturned equipment. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that the shuttle buggy weighed about 80,000 pounds, making its removal a complex task.
Crews worked diligently to right the shuttle buggy and clean up the hydraulic fluid that leaked from the equipment during the incident. Traffic was jammed for miles during peak hours as aerial footage illustrated the extent of the backups. After nearly eight hours of delays, the shuttle buggy was finally cleared from the highway around 12:23 p.m. However, delays were exacerbated by construction crews being late in removing traffic cones from a resurfacing project, which caused additional frustrations for drivers.
As a follow-up to the incident, CDOT announced plans to conduct an after-action review with the project teams and contractors involved to ensure that similar issues do not arise in the future. The situation has raised concerns about traffic management during construction projects, especially during peak commuting hours.
Impact on Denver Traffic
- Morning commuters faced extended delays, with travel times significantly increased.
- Side streets were congested as drivers sought alternate routes.
- Aerial footage indicated that traffic backups extended for miles.
- Recommendations were made for alternative routes to ease congestion.
Summary of Incident
The overturned shuttle buggy on I-25, the ensuing traffic delays, and the response from CDOT illustrate the complexity of managing heavy equipment on busy roadways, particularly during rush hour when commuter traffic is at its highest.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with construction and road maintenance, and the importance of timely communication and effective traffic management strategies during such events.
FAQ section
What caused the traffic delays on I-25 in Denver?
An overturned shuttle buggy weighed about 80,000 pounds, which flipped onto its side, reducing the highway to one lane and causing significant delays.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
How long were commuters delayed?
By 6:30 a.m., drive times from 104th Avenue to downtown Denver reached nearly two hours.
What alternative routes were recommended?
Traffic experts suggested using York Street as an alternative route to avoid southbound I-25 congestion.
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.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Overturned Shuttle Buggy |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, 4:30 a.m. |
| Location | Southbound I-25 near Park Avenue |
| Weight of Shuttle Buggy | Approximately 80,000 pounds |
| Duration of Delays | Up to 8 hours |
| Alternate Route Recommended | York Street |
| Clearing Time | 12:23 p.m. |
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 PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
