The Colorado Department of Transportation is reducing the speed limit on a stretch of Interstate 70 that has recently experienced several fatal accidents.
Interstate 70 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, was the location of a recent tragic accident involving a semi-truck carrying pipes. This spot is also close to the site of the notorious 2019 crash that resulted in truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos receiving a 110-year prison sentence.
After evaluating the work zone in the area, traffic engineers have decided to decrease the speed limit from 60 to 55 mph. CDOT plans to install new illuminated signs next week to alert drivers to the lower speed limit and upcoming lane changes.
“There are a lot of young guys out there who need to be taught how to drive in the mountains,” said Joe Trussell, co-owner of CDL303 Trucking School, which focuses on mountain driving.
“They’re doing their best, but when physics get involved, when those descents get involved, if they don’t have the skills to handle it, then bad things can happen.”
“Speeding is a concern along this and all roads in the state,” a CDOT wrote in a statement to 9NEWS. “We urge motorists to heed the speed limit and signs in construction zones and drive to the conditions, leaving plenty of space behind the vehicle ahead and drive with no distractions.”
