7 deaths in 9 months: Improvements planned for stretch of I-225

Rogelio Mares
·2 min read
5

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — The Colorado Department of Transportation confirmed plans to improve a section of northbound Interstate 225 in Aurora between Alameda and 6th avenues.

The stretch was a cause for concern among politicians and police, and it also brought a call to action from the family of someone who died in a crash there last year.

“I’ve been driving that for years, and I’ve noticed an irregularity in the road,” Aurora Council Member Steve Sundberg said.

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In early April, Sundberg was concerned about the stretch of I-225.

“For that spot, you can see marks and scrapes on the concrete barriers years ago and debris from vehicles that have crashed,” Sundberg said.

Traffic on I-225 in Aurora
Traffic on I-225 in Aurora

‘7 fatalities at this spot’ on I-225 in Aurora

Several deadly crashes happened there. Two were on the same day last year, and the latest was on March 30.

“In nine months, there have been seven fatalities at this spot,” Sundberg said. “Veteran police officer in Aurora says that for the last six years, this has been a problem spot.”

In April, Aurora police shared their concerns about the stretch of I-225 with FOX31 as the family of Austin Alarcon called for something to be done. Alarcon died in a July 2023 crash at the same location.

“First, we implore the public to drive safely,” Sundberg said. “But we implore CDOT to shift gears and put the pedal to the metal and get this project fixed.”

Debris from a deadly crash on Interstate 225
Debris from a deadly crash on Interstate 225

I-225 improvements planned

Change is coming to the stretch. CDOT confirmed to FOX31 that plans are being drafted for improvements.

“That’s planned to be completed this summer,” Aurora Deputy City Manager Laura Perry said.

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The aim is to level the road where there is a prominent bump blamed for vehicles losing control. Some believe this will be a life-saving improvement.

“Which will then go under construction next year,” Perry said.

CDOT said their engineers have met with city officials from Aurora to discuss short-term design work. Meanwhile, Sundberg said the Aurora Police Department is expected to increase speed enforcement along the stretch of I-225.

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