AURORA, Colo. — In less than a year, at least seven people have died in traffic crashes on Interstate 225 between Second and Alameda avenues in Aurora. Now, city leaders are calling on the state to address safety concerns on that stretch of highway.
The most recent fatal crash was March 30, when five teens in a stolen SUV were ejected after the vehicle rolled.
Chan Titi, 15, died in the crash. Three other teens were taken to hospitals.
The 17-year-old driver didn't have a license, according to Aurora Police. Investigators found opened and unopened alcoholic containers in the SUV, and excessive speed was being investigated as a contributing factor.
Aurora Ward II councilman Steve Sundberg said the crash is heartbreaking.
"When you hear about teenagers losing their lives, it’s sad," he said.
In response to that crash and other deadly crashes that have happened on I-225, Sundberg sponsored a resolution asking the Colorado Department of Transportation to fix irregularities on the road.
"I noticed this bump in the road years ago," Sundberg said. "You see scrapes, marks and car parts after it. A veteran officer has told me for the last six years it’s been a troublesome spot."
He said this "bump" in the road is a contributing factor to crashes.
"Excessive speed in combination with this defect is a kind of death trap," Sundberg said.
Monday, the Aurora City Council passed Sundberg's resolution with unanimous support.
"This was a no-brainer. Let’s call upon CDOT to expedite this process and get this fixed," Sundberg said.
In response to a request for comment from 9NEWS, CDOT said:
"CDOT takes all crashes and fatalities seriously and we are saddened by this recent incident involving young Coloradans. We always examine crash data to better understand where improvements need to be made and prioritize projects based on identified needs. We also work with our law enforcement partners to address driver behavior, because excessive speeding, careless driving, lack of seatbelt use and driving under the influence are the major causes of crashes on I-225 and roadways across the state. Regarding I-225, a design project is underway to enhance the safety of the bridges at 2nd and 6th avenues. These structures are safe to drive on as long as safe driving practices are followed which we encourage all drivers to follow."
Sundberg said CDOT has told him that the road is currently under study and a contractor would be assigned to it next year, but he's hoping for a more definite answer with a more immediate timeline.
"The sooner the better to save lives," he said.
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