Local drivers believe fatal accident on I-70 was inevitable

WHEAT RIDGE, Colorado – A fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer on a stretch of Interstate 70 in Wheat Ridge has caused widespread concern among local motorists, who say dangerous conditions in the construction zone where the accident occurred made the crash inevitable.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) set up the construction site in May as part of the reconstruction of the I-70/Ward Road interchange. Since the fatal accident that killed three people, hundreds of drivers who regularly travel the stretch of road have expressed their concerns, with many saying the dangers were obvious.

“The curves are too sharp to even keep the car in lane,” said Don Carver, who commutes through the construction site every day.

The accident sparked a flood of messages on 9NEWS, with drivers sharing their stories and concerns about driving on the treacherous stretch of highway. One commentator, Brian Green, compared the conditions to the notoriously sharp turns of a California racetrack, saying: “So you're saying the traffic pattern they adopted from the Laguna Seca racetrack ultimately didn't work out? … odd.”

Carver described the difficulties the construction site presented, mentioning obstacles such as a bridge that obstructs visibility, sharp left-right turns in rapid succession, and a significant bump near the construction site. He recalled his first drive through the construction site, saying he ended up completely in the other lane.

“Now I know I have to slow down, but a lot of people don't know that,” Carver added.

Harry Payne, Carver's colleague and fellow commuter, expressed concern about the risks faced by truck drivers.

“I couldn't imagine driving through there with a big truck… Every morning when a truck is near me, all I can think is: I hope we can make it through without it tipping over.”

CDOT claims that standard protocols are being followed at the construction site, including a reduced speed limit and appropriate signage, but Payne and Carver argue that the measures in place are inadequate.

“There should be a lighted sign alerting people to slow down because there are sharp curves coming… The usual signage is, in my opinion, neither appropriate nor sufficient for this particular project,” Carver said.

CDOT stated that they are “aware of only one previous accident in this area. If there have been others, the project has not been informed.” They also acknowledged concerns about speeding in the construction zone, but are awaiting details from the ongoing accident investigation.

While the construction remains, Payne and Carver have decided to change their routes despite any inconvenience.

“It doesn't matter. It's about people's lives,” Payne said.