You’re trying to get to work or maybe just heading across town, and suddenly everything stops. Red brake lights for miles. If you were driving through the north Denver metro area this morning, you likely hit a wall of traffic that had nothing to do with typical rush hour congestion.
A heavy police presence and a fatal traffic accident on i-76 today colorado turned the morning commute into a standstill for thousands of drivers. Honestly, it wasn't just a simple fender bender. It was the climax of a violent chain of events that started in Thornton and ended with yellow tape draped across the asphalt near the Berkley neighborhood.
The Chaos Near Federal Boulevard
The trouble really began around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Thornton police were called out to the 9600 block of Huron Street after reports of gunfire. By the time they arrived, the situation had spiraled. One person was already hurt, and a suspect vehicle was tearing away from the scene.
This wasn't a slow-speed crawl. This was a high-stakes pursuit.
Officers chased the vehicle as it merged toward the interstate system. Eventually, the pursuit came to a grinding halt near 56th Avenue and Federal Boulevard, right where the local roads interface with the I-76 corridor. When police finally reached the car, the scene was grim.
📖 Related: The Battle of the Chesapeake: Why Washington Should Have Lost
Inside that vehicle, they found one person dead from gunshot wounds. Another individual was located nearby with injuries that were, thankfully, described as non-life-threatening.
Why the I-76 Closures Are So Bad Today
Because this was a crime scene and a crash site rolled into one, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) had to act fast. They shut down the southbound lanes of US 287 (Federal Boulevard) right at the I-76 interchange.
Traffic just... died.
If you’ve ever been stuck in that specific triangle between I-76, I-270, and Federal, you know how quickly the secondary roads choke up. Commuters trying to bypass the I-76 closure flooded into the surrounding neighborhoods of Berkley and Chaffee Park.
👉 See also: Texas Flash Floods: What Really Happens When a Summer Camp Underwater Becomes the Story
- Southbound Federal Boulevard remained closed for hours while investigators processed the vehicle.
- I-76 ramps experienced significant backups as drivers hesitated, looking for exits.
- 58th Avenue became a parking lot for people trying to find a way south into Denver.
It’s kinda frustrating when you're just trying to go about your day, but for the investigators on the ground, this is a meticulous process. They can’t just tow a car when there’s a homicide involved. Every inch of that pavement has to be documented.
Real-Time Road Conditions and Safety
Aside from the police activity, the weather hasn't exactly been doing us any favors. While the metro area stayed mostly dry, the Wyoming state line and parts of the northern plains have been dealing with "Extreme Blow Over" risks.
Actually, if you’re planning on taking I-76 further east toward Sterling or Nebraska later today, you need to watch the wind. We're seeing gusts that are literally tipping over high-profile vehicles. CDOT has already issued warnings for light, high-profile trailers.
Basically, if your vehicle feels like a sail, stay off the highway.
✨ Don't miss: Teamsters Union Jimmy Hoffa: What Most People Get Wrong
What Drivers Need to Do Right Now
If you are still heading out, avoid Federal Boulevard entirely. You've probably already checked your GPS, but honestly, even the "shortcut" routes through Pecos or Lowell are currently slammed.
Multiple suspects are in custody, according to Thornton PD, but the investigation is nowhere near finished. You can expect the area around 56th and Federal to remain a mess well into the afternoon.
Moving Forward After the I-76 Incident
When a major traffic accident on i-76 today colorado involves a police pursuit and a fatality, the ripple effects last all day. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly things change on our roads.
To stay ahead of the mess, your best bet is to keep the COtrip.org map open. CDOT updates that thing constantly, and it’s much more reliable than just guessing which exit isn't blocked. If you’re coming from the north, try to stick to I-25 South and avoid the I-76 West transition until the scene is cleared.
Check your tire pressure if the temperature drops later this evening, and keep a safe following distance. Accidents like the one this morning happen in a split second, but the cleanup takes all day. Stay patient out there.
Next Steps for Impacted Commuters:
- Use I-25 as your primary north-south artery until the Federal Blvd interchange reopens.
- Monitor Thornton Police Department's social media for updates on suspect information and road clearings.
- If you witnessed any part of the pursuit on I-76, contact the Thornton PD tip line at 720-977-5069.