South Academy Boulevard Acceleration Lane to Open Weeks Ahead of Schedule

EL PASO COUNTY—From 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16 to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, motorists should expect an overnight single lane closure on northbound Interstate 25 approaching South Academy Boulevard for final lane striping.

The South Academy Boulevard on-ramp will also be reduced to a single lane. Final striping is the last major work item for this safety improvement project. All work is weather-dependent and the schedule is subject to change.

Motorists will benefit from early project completion.

"Before the project, the short transition made it difficult for on-ramp traffic, which is heavy at times, to merge onto I-25," said Steve Goure, Colorado Department of Trasnportation project manager. "The new acceleration lane provides motorists approximately 1,500 feet to make the maneuver."

This $1.1 million project also includes drainage infrastructure and new overhead lighting.

CDOT and prime contractor, Tricon 2, began the project in August. Until recent paving operations, most work performed on the project occurred behind temporary barrier wall.