An After Action Review (AAR) was conducted for a semi rollover on December 8, 2025, that occurred on northbound I-15 in Salt Lake City near 1300 South and blocked most of I-15 during the morning rush hour. The semi was loaded with alcohol, and that presented other issues that were discussed. With a major roadway blocked during peak travel times, and the semi transporting alcohol for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS), the incident created additional concerns.
This crash occurred at the beginning of the morning rush hour on a major roadway that accesses downtown Salt Lake City. The semi came to rest blocking over four lanes of the roadway and allowing only one passable lane for traffic.
Detours were established through 511 and the UDOT Traffic app, advising motorists of alternative routes around the crash area. However, this caused backups and traffic congestion in several areas approaching the scene. Once on scene, UDOT and UHP determined that, because there were only minor injuries, the blocking semi and trailer could be moved to facilitate greater traffic flow. A front-end loader was brought in by UDOT, and the vehicles were moved to the far right-hand emergency lane and slow lane, thus opening three other lanes for traffic to get around the scene. This is a great example of Safe, Quick Clearance in action. This tool has been used several times since this crash to effectively open roadways in a safer and more timely manner.
The only other issue was what legally should be done with a load of alcohol involved in a traffic incident in Utah. We learned that Utah, as an alcohol control state, requires notification of the State DABS, and the best way to do that is by requesting the local dispatch center to contact the State Bureau of Investigations Alcohol Investigations Unit, which handles issues related to Utah Code 32A.