Ackerman Overlook Open Again

May 21, 2015 - Southeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 2 - COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reopened the Ackerman Overlook on Interstate 25 today after being closed for new road construction in spring 2013.

Located just south of the Interquest Interchange along southbound I-25, the Ackerman Overlook was relocated and reconstructed north of its original location as part of the I-25 widening project between Woodmen Road and Monument.

The reconstruction included new entrance and exit ramps, parking area, sidewalks, patterned concrete, curbs and gutters, landscaping and retaining walls. The Ackerman* Memorial also was moved to the new location. New benches will be installed in early June.

Informational signs detailing the history and activities of the U.S. Air Force Academy will be installed later this year.

With the opening of the Overlook, all work is officially complete on the $66.6 million I-25 Widening Project.

# # #

*Jasper D. Ackerman was born in Buffalo, Wyoming, in 1896. He attended Colorado Springs Schools and served in World War I as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry, and in World War II as a Lieutenant Colonel. Among his many awards were two Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star. Mr. Ackerman owned the Turkey Track Ranch, southeast of Colorado Springs, and was a founder of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and served as its Director, President, and Chairman for 47 years. Ackerman supported the United States Air Force Academy from the beginning until his death in 1988, serving on the Falcon Foundation, and contributed greatly to Falcon Stadium, and Eisenhower Golf Course.