CDOT explains reason behind traffic jam Wednesday

Many drivers wondered what caused a midday traffic backup near Interstate 25 and Circle Drive in Colorado Springs Wednesday.

Bob Wilson, a spokesman with the Colorado Department of Transportation, explained the reason Thursday: Emergency repair work on potholes.

Wilson said the potholes developed on the highway after last weekend’s storm and worsened from constant traffic.

Traffic backed up in both directions as workers rushed to complete the necessary repairs.

“After about a dozen drivers had damaged tires in the potholes, we decided to address them right away,” Wilson said.

Wilson reassured drivers that such work rarely happens during the day.

“We usually do that kind of work at night when there’s less traffic,” he said. “But we try to repair them as soon as possible, especially if they’re as bad as the ones Wednesday.”