Interstate-25 / Cimarron/US 24 Project Milestone Marked with June 23 Opening of Single Point Urban Interchange

June 21, 2017 - Southeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 2 - Rehabilitation of I-25 Bridge over Colorado Avenue Begins June 26

Marking yet another project milestone, beginning Friday morning, June 23, motorists will be driving on the single point urban interchange (SPUI) beneath the Interstate-25 bridge on Cimarron/US 24. A SPUI helps move large volumes of traffic through limited amounts of space safely and efficiently. SPUI interchanges are a great way to maximize the flow of vehicles where streams of traffic merge or separate. The SPUI is a type of interchange where the arterial and ramp entrances/exits are controlled by a single traffic signal.The prior interchange design had a single, three-phase signalized intersection handling all ramp traffic underneath I-25. The new SPUI configuration pushes the freeway ramps outward to be able to achieve free-flowing angles at the intersection underneath I-25. This configuration is not new to Colorado Springs residents. Motorists will find the traffic flow similar to the Garden of the Gods/I-25 interchange. SPUI final alignment with all lanes operational planned for early fall 2017.The new interchange will enhance operations, correct existing safety and design deficiencies, and serve the anticipated short-term and long-term travel demand in this area. “We are happy to get the SPUI open in time for the July 4th holiday weekend,” said CDOT Project Manager Dave Watt. “With increased traffic from the summer tourist season, the interchange configuration should help with the traffic flow at the I-25 and Cimarron exit.”SPUI 3D Animation for an Interstate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwpoPQ1SPJUAdvantages of the SPUI are:

  • Beneficial in urban areas because it can be constructed in limited rights-of-way.
  • Reduces signal phases.
  • Left-turn paths are flatter and can be made at higher speeds, thus increasing traffic flow and intersection capacity.

There will be traffic impacts to prepare for the new SPUI configurations:

  • Overnight closure of Cimarron Street/US 24 between S. Sierra Madre Street and 8th Street, including all I‐25 on‐ and off ramps for preparation of the single point urban interchange (SPUI) switch.
    • Wednesday, June 21 through Thursday, June 22, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly

There will be additional traffic impacts project-wide.I-25/Colorado Avenue Bridge RehabilitationProviding more benefit to the traveling public, rehabilitation of the I-25 bridge over Colorado Avenue and associated approaches to the bridge structure begins Monday, June 26 and is expected to be complete by late October. The work to correct the settlement in both the northbound and southbound lanes of the I-25 bridge over Colorado Avenue, will provide a smoother ride that meets CDOT’s commitment to quality. Other elements of the work include removing expansion joint devices and replacing with plug joints, performing concrete surface grinding, modifying existing drains and inlets and applying a waterproofing membrane and asphalt overlay.  Three through lanes on I-25 in each direction in the vicinity of the I-25 bridge over Colorado Avenue will remain open, but the continuous auxiliary lanes onto northbound I-25 from Cimarron Street to the Bijou Street exit, and onto southbound I-25 from Bijou Street to the Cimarron Street/US 24 exit will be changed to merge lanes with short merge distances to accommodate room for crews to work. The posted speed limit will reduce to 45 miles per hour. “The I-25 bridge work over Colorado Avenue is needed, so we appreciate the public’s continued patience,” said Watt. “Phasing the work with the interchange project is the most-cost effective approach and the best time for minimizing inconvenience to the travelling public while still enabling the I-25/Cimarron Interchange project to be completed on time and within budget.” Drivers are Urged to Slow Down and Pay Attention

  • Speed reduction to 55 mph on I-25 between South Nevada Avenue/Tejon Street and Cimarron/US24 (northbound and southbound)
  • Speed reduction to 45 mph on I-25 from Cimarron/US24 to Bijou Street (northbound and southbound)
  • Speed reduction to 30 mph on US 24/Cimarron Street between 8th Street and I-25 (westbound and eastbound)
  • Pay close attention when driving near the I-25/Cimarron Project.
  • Slow down, observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and allow extra time for your commute.
  • Alternative route advised. 

All Media Personnel: The I-25/Cimarron project is an active construction area. Access on the project site is restricted unless accompanied by a Colorado Department of Transportation or Kraemer representative. Your safety is important to us so please coordinate access requests in advance with Michelle Peulen. A safe area for interviews, b-roll, etc., and a project team member will be designated for escort and will coordinate the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. We appreciate your cooperation.  PROJECT INFORMATION: The $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 over Fountain Creek bridge on the east. Improvements are intended to provide enhanced operations, correct existing safety and design deficiencies, and to serve the anticipated short- and long-term travel demands in this area. When complete, this will be a high-functioning interchange that safely handles more vehicles and enhances multi-modal travel for those using I-25, US 24/Cimarron Street and the trail system along Monument and Fountain creeks. Substantial completion is planned for December 2017.For updated project information, visit https://www.codot.gov/projects/i25cimarronDB or call 719-302-6781. To be added to the database for receiving project updates by e-newsletter, send an email to: [email protected]

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