New I-25 Southbound Off-Ramp to Open May 14 and New I-25 Southbound On-Ramp to Open May 15
Motorists will use the new, more direct off-ramp located to the north of Cimarron Street/US 24 (mile post #141), about a quarter mile south of the Bijou exit.
Sunday, May 15: motorists wanting to head southbound on Interstate-25 from Cimarron Street/US 24 will use a new on-ramp. The new ramp will provide double the acceleration and merge distances than the previous ramp.
The new southbound exit ramp and southbound on-ramp will enhance operations, correct existing safety and design deficiencies, and serve the existing and anticipated short-term and long-term travel demand in this area. The partial cloverleaf loop ramp design is outdated and does not adequately support the 9,500 vehicles per hour that travel through the I-25/Cimarron corridor during peak times each day. Over the past few decades, road authorities have been implementing new interchange designs with more direct exit ramps to reduce congestion and improve safety.
“Since the existing loop off-ramp has been in place for the past 56 years, there will be an adjustment for motorists who frequent this area," said Project Director Dave Watt, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). "The traveling public should watch for signage to access the new exit ramp, drive slowly and avoid distractions,” said Watt. “If you are heading southbound on the interstate and miss the new Cimarron Street/US 24 exit, you can continue on the interstate and use the next exit at South Nevada Avenue/Tejon Street.”
In addition, Tuesday, May 10 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., the southbound I-25 off-ramp at Cimarron/US 24 will be closed overnight to prepare for the weekend work. Traffic will detour on Bijou Street.
All work is weather dependent and subject to change. Lane restriction times may fluctuate. For the most up-to-date information, sign up for weekly eAlerts by emailing [email protected]
The I-25/Cimarron Project Team reminds motorists to:
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Comply with the 55 mph speed limit and avoid distractions
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Watch for future traffic eAlerts highlighting new alignments and anticipated lane restrictions
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Watch for signage directing traffic through the project limits
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Always be on high alert for construction traffic through the area
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Stay out of designated construction zones
View attached Fact Sheet for more information.
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PROJECT INFORMATION: CDOT’s $113 million I-25/Cimarron Interchange Design-Build Project involves rebuilding the I-25 interchange between Colorado Avenue on the north and South Nevada Avenue to the south, 8th Street on the west and the Cimarron Street bridge over Fountain Creek on the east. Improvements will provide enhanced operations, correct existing safety and design deficiencies, and serve the anticipated short- and long-term area travel demands. When complete, this will be a high-functioning interchange, safely handling more vehicles, enhancing multi-modal travel for those using I-25, US 24/Cimarron Street and the trail system along Monument and Fountain creeks. Substantial completion: fall 2017.
Project information: http://www.codot.gov/projects/
For real-time road condition updates, visit www.codot.gov and click on the cell phone icon. Weekly lane closure information is available at www.codot.gov/travel/
