(The Center Square) – Both directions of I-25 near Pueblo are now open following a bridge collapse and train derailment last weekend, state officials announced.
While the northbound and southbound lanes are now open, repairs will be ongoing.
The interstate near Pueblo closed in both directions last Sunday after a bridge crossing over the interstate collapsed, derailing a BNSF train carrying coal. The bridge collapsed on a semi-trailer truck, killing its driver.
While the northbound and southbound lanes are now open, repairs will be ongoing.
“[Colorado Department of Transportation] crews have been on the scene since the immediate aftermath of this derailment and crash, and they have been working around the clock since then to get I-25 back open,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in a statement. “We ask everyone to watch their speeds in this area as we restore our normal travel routines, and we thank everyone for their patience.”
Gov. Jared Polis thanked crews who worked to reopen the interstate. Polis, state officials, and National Transportation Safety Board officials toured the scene of the accident on Wednesday.
“Our top priority was repairing the damage to I-25 as safely and quickly as possible to decrease traffic, keep people safe, and limit the closure’s impact on Coloradans and our economy,” he said.
NTSB said the derailment was likely caused by a broken rail, CBS Colorado reported.
In the aftermath of the accident, Colorado Democrats said new rail safety legislation would be coming in the next session.
