Two killed in Highway 115 crash as drivers raise safety concerns about intersection

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- A deadly head-on crash that shut down part of Highway 115 is raising new concerns from drivers who say the roadway is dangerous and that they want changes before someone else gets hurt.

The Colorado Springs Police Department says two people were killed Monday afternoon after a southbound vehicle crossed into northbound traffic near East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, causing a head-on collision. A third driver was also involved and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Investigators say speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors. 

The majority of drivers who spoke with KRDO13 said they often feel uneasy traveling through that stretch of Highway 115, citing heavy traffic and challenging driving conditions.

Highway 115 serves as a major route connecting Colorado Springs with communities to the south and carries tens of thousands of drivers each day.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), nearly 39,000 vehicles travel through the Highway 115 and East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard intersection daily.

Despite community concerns, CDOT officials say current crash data does not indicate the intersection has a higher crash rate than expected for the amount of traffic it sees.

“In that particular section of roadway, crash data is not indicative that it’s higher than what would be expected with that many cars traveling on 115,” said CDOT spokesperson Amber Shipley.

Transportation officials say roadway safety decisions are based on long-term crash trends rather than public perception or traffic volume alone.

CDOT says it continuously monitors crash patterns and remains open to implementing additional safety measures if new data suggests changes are needed.

"Part of our mission, our vision is to get people, our motorists, from point A to point B safely," said Shipley.

Officials encourage drivers to report roadway safety concerns directly to the department.

KRDO13 will continue to follow developments related to this crash and roadway safety along Highway 115.

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