CDOT, first responders train for emergencies along the I-25 “Gap”

As often as crashes snarl traffic along the I-25 "Gap" construction zone in El Paso and Douglas counties, you'd think first responders have seen it all and know what to expect.

But that's not necessarily true, which is why emergency personnel spent Wednesday in an annual training session to learn how to better respond to situations in the Gap and on other Colorado highways.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office and local firefighters gathered at a test track in Littleton to practice their responses and learn how to improve coordination and communication.

When the test track opened two years ago, the Gap project hadn't started yet and only a third of the 18-mile stretch was under construction during last year's training session. Now, responders are adjusting their responses accordingly.

Challenges in the Gap, responders said, include heavy traffic congestion, unsafe driving habits, a narrow corridor because of the lack of shoulders and adverse weather conditions.

As responders received training Wednesday, a nearby memorial sign bore the names of Jaimie Jursevics and Cody Donahue, two state troopers who recently responded to crash scenes where they were struck and killed by passing vehicles.

Responders said they believe they are adequately handling and clearing emergency scenes but there's always room for improvement, especially since the training happens only once every year.

Drivers can help, responders said, by slowing down in the work zones and allowing plenty of space between vehicles.

Responders said traffic backs up for four minutes, every minute that a crash blocks a traffic lane in the Gap, and also increases the chance of another crash happening in the area.

Officials also thanked the roving CDOT safety patrols for helping stranded motorists and disabled vehicles, often keeping minor situations from becoming more serious.