Cimarron Interchange Taking Shape
Colorado Springs – With plans for next year’s reconstruction and realignment of the Interstate 25/Cimarron interchange taking shape, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) invites the public to view the new configuration and provide feedback on other aspects of the project during a public open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 3 at the City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa Street. A project overview and presentations will begin at 5:45 p.m.
Arrangements for special ADA open house accommodations can be made by calling 719/302-6781 or by email: [email protected]
“When complete, this will be a high-functioning interchange that safely handles more vehicles and enhances multi-modal travel for those using I-25, U.S. 24/Cimarron Street and the trail system along Monument and Fountain Creeks,” said CDOT Resident Engineer Dave Watt.
“The open house is an opportunity for the public to review and provide feedback on the basic configuration and to provide feedback on aesthetic enhancements and trails and creek connections the stakeholder team has developed during the past six months,” said Watt. “Public open house feedback will be provided to the Design/Build contractor teams submitting proposals later in the year. Interaction and communication with stakeholders and the public regarding the project began in October 2013 and will continue throughout the procurement and the design and construction process.”
“The I-25/Cimarron interchange project will enhance traffic operations and correct existing safety and design deficiencies of both the interchange and I-25,” said Watt. “The design also will serve the anticipated short- and long-term traffic demands in this area.”
Total project cost is $95 million, with construction estimated at between $65 and $85 million. City of Colorado Springs ($5 million) and El Paso County ($1 million) are providing local funding.
"This interchange is located at the confluence of Monument and Fountain Creeks, and at the intersection of major trail networks. It is adjacent to America the Beautiful Park, the future Creekside development project and in the vicinity of southwest downtown urban renewal development including the downtown elements of the proposed City for Champions project," said Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach. “It’s an exciting opportunity for the community to benefit from a better functioning interchange and improved transportation connections that can be a catalyst to transforming the area into a destination gateway.”
“This is a crucial interchange due to the amount of traffic it carries and its location as a gateway to the downtown business district of Colorado Springs and to the historic mountain communities to the west,” said Sallie Clark, El Paso County Commissioner, District 3. “The project partners and stakeholders are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with CDOT in making these transportation infrastructure improvements that will transform this area.
A Design/Build team is anticipated to receive a contract by the end of 2014. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2015 with traffic in its final configuration by July 2017. Design/Build contractors have the opportunity to submit enhanced schedules as part of their proposals.
BACKGROUND:
Prioritized Project Goals:
1. Maximizing overall safety, capacity and operation of the interchange and the surrounding transportation network within the project budget
2. Completing construction to allow the interchange to be fully operational by July 1, 2017
3. Minimizing impacts and inconvenience to the community, motorists, businesses, downtown and the public during construction
4. Achieving an aesthetically-pleasing design compatible with current and future amenities and enhancements in and around the interchange
The I-25/Cimarron Interchange reconstruction project includes:
- Reconstructing I-25 to provide improved highway alignment and improved ramps and acceleration and deceleration lanes and shoulders, for better operations and safety on I-25
- Reconstructing I-25 bridges
- Enhancing interchange traffic flow and safety operations
- Providing better trail connections, improved water quality, and aesthetic enhancements.
Project limits: The planned upgrades include rebuilding the I-25 interchange between Colorado Avenue on the north and South Nevada Avenue to the south. The U.S. 24 project boundaries are between 8th Street on the west and the Union Pacific-BNSF railroads joint line/Cimarron Street Bridge to the east.
This project does not include reconstruction of the U.S. 24/8th Street interchange. That project is independent and will follow the reconstruction of the I-25/Cimarron interchange. No funding source has been identified and no timeline has been established for the U.S. 24/8th Street interchange. More information about the I-25/Cimarron interchange can be found on the project website: http://www.coloradodot.info/projects/i25cimarronDB
