Governor Polis Announces Timeline to Re-open I-25 Near Pueblo

PUEBLO - Today, Governor Jared Polis announced CDOT’s plans to re-open Interstate 25 near Pueblo at the site of Sunday’s train derailment. The Governor discussed the state’s efforts to get the highway open in both directions and debris removal and surveyed the damage. Governor Polis offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of Lafollette Henderson, the driver who was killed in this incident. 

Governor Polis announced that the closed section of southbound is being re-paved and is expected to re-open this afternoon. CDOT is working to re-open northbound I-25 no later than tomorrow evening and if necessary CDOT may open a single lane prior to re-opening the entire road. Motorists should expect a rough driving surface as the damaged roadway will be milled. There will be slightly reduced speed limits temporarily through the stretch to ensure the safety of drivers.  

Governor Polis toured the damage with the National Transportation Safety Board alongside local legislators, county leaders, staff from the state’s federal delegation, and Mayor Gradisar of Pueblo. The preliminary investigation has revealed that a broken rail just east of the bridge over I-25 likely caused the coal train to derail and the bridge to collapse. 

“Our top priority is to get the highway back open so that people can continue traveling safely between Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and the rest of the state,” said Governor Polis. “Though the investigation is still ongoing, it remains clear that investments in rail are needed now more than ever and Colorado has been working for months to take advantage of historic safety and rail funding from the federal government.” 

The Polis administration continues this work while also doing everything in its power, including working alongside our federal partners, to get the debris cleared and get I-25 open as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the all hands on deck approach to getting this work done quickly, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway taking the lead on rebuilding the bridge safely and efficiently,” said CDOT Director Shoshana Lew.

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