CDOT lowering speed limits on stretch of I-70 near several infamous crashes

The Colorado Department of Transportation is lowering the speed limit along a section of Interstate 70 known for several recent fatal crashes. 

Interstate 70 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado is the site of a recent deadly crash involving a semi truck hauling pipes, and just a few miles down the road from the infamous fatal 2019 crash that led to truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos being sentenced to 110 years. 

Traffic engineers have decided to lower the speed limit from 60 to 55 mph after reviewing the work zone in the area. CDOT says it will install new lighted signs warning of the slower speed limit and lane shifts in the coming week. 

“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.”