Big problems on the interstate system in a couple of key spots in Colorado, one local, and one in the front range. Major crashes involving semis closing 2 major highways, I-76 and I-70.
Just after midnight on Thursday morning, August 15th, the WB side of I-76 was shut down between Sterling and Brush, due to a rollover crash involving a tanker semi. I-76 is closed on the WB side between MM 115, at Atwood, and 102 (HWY 63 & Road Q). Detours are in place, as traffic is exiting 76 at the Atwood exit. The tanker semi was carrying 9,500 gallons of ethanol, and according to crews was experiencing a substantial leak, making this a hazmat clean-up. Sterling Fire, Hillrose-Snyder Fire, Merino Fire, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and CSP are all providing mutual aid. The tanker semi was on its side, blocking the right lane and shoulder. No reports of any injuries in this crash, but it does appear that no other vehicles were involved. The crash remains under investigation, as the cleanup continued into the afternoon hours. According to CDOT and Sterling fire crews, it was an ongoing, extended closure.
In the Denver-metro area I-70 was closed in both directions at Ward Road, on the west side of the metro-area in Wheatridge, due to a tractor-trailer that rolled over on its side, spilling large plastic pipes on both sides of I-70 right over Ward Road. 3 other vehicles were involved in the crash, with one of the vehicles being damaged extensively that was travelling in the westbound lanes. In that one vehicle, 3 people were killed, and 2 were seriously injured. The injured were transported to the hospital. According to Wheatridge Police, EB I-70 was closed at HWY 6, and WB was closed at Kipling.