Mead, CO (March 10, 2026) – A man died following a crash that shut down the southbound lanes of I-25 near Mead. The collision occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on Monday, March 9, near mile marker 243 along Interstate 25 in a construction zone near the Longmont and Lyons area. The crash involved a Ford Super Duty pickup truck and a work van.
Emergency units responded to the scene and found the male driver of the pickup truck dead. Officials have not yet released his identity.
The driver of the work van was not reported to have been injured in the accident. Traffic along the southbound lanes of I-25 was closed for several hours while crews worked at the site and cleared the roadway.
By about 8:30 a.m., the right shoulder was opened to allow some vehicles to move through the area. The highway was fully reopened around 11 a.m. after the scene was cleared.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Construction Zones Often See Increased Crash Risks
Construction zones can change normal driving conditions along highways. Lane shifts, reduced speeds, and barriers may require drivers to adjust quickly as they travel through the area.
Traffic congestion can also occur when lanes are closed or narrowed. Sudden slowdowns may increase the risk of collisions, especially during early-morning travel when visibility may be lower.
Work vehicles and equipment may enter or exit the roadway as construction progresses. Drivers traveling through these areas are often required to stay alert for signs, cones, and workers nearby.
Roadway design changes during construction can create unfamiliar driving patterns. These temporary conditions may affect how drivers position their vehicles and respond to traffic ahead.