Now Open: Westbound Passing Lane on Colorado 94

Travel Advisory

December 23, 2020 - Southeastern Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS — CDOT and contractor SEMA Construction are pleased to announce the early completion and opening of the new westbound passing lane of CO 94.  

"Colorado has a long-standing commitment to ensuring the safety of military members and their families as well as supporting the efficacy of the national security space mission,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. “This Project further demonstrates that commitment and is evidence why Colorado Springs and our beautiful state is the best home for U.S. Space Command."

In October, crews began construction on Phase 1 of the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project (MAMSIP) on CO 94. These improvements focused on expanding the westbound passing lane between North Franceville Coal Mine Road and US 24, as well as installing a new fiber line from US 24 to Enoch Road. Phase 1 was originally expected to conclude in Spring 2021. Installation of the fiber optic cables from US 24 to Enoch Road is 60 percent complete with expected completion in the spring.

“As an installation, we truly appreciate the work the Colorado Department of Transportation is doing to make improvements to State Highway 94. The roadwork will not only improve traffic, but will also create safer conditions for all Schriever Air Force Base military members, residents and visitors who travel in and out of the area every day. Thank you for supporting our missions and people by providing a safer route to our installation.” said Ms. Meaghan Dorroh, Chief, Media Operations - Schriever AFB, Peterson-Schriever Garrison Public Affairs

CO 94 Project Overview

The CO 94 project comprises of three elements, each aimed at improving safety and efficiency along the corridor:

  • Addition of a westbound passing lane, increasing efficiency and safety conditions between North Franceville Coal Mine Road and US 24

  • Addition of a signalized “jug handle” intersection at Blaney Road, thereby removing slow moving
    traffic from the passing lane, and greatly improving efficiency of eastbound traffic.

  • Installation of fiber optic cables from US 24 to Enoch Road, enabling future installation of ‘Intelligent Transportation System’ elements along the corridor and also enabling high speed communications for future planned development

CO 94 Safety Benefits

The safety enhancements relate to the potential to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes.

The proposed transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes and improve safety in the corridor. These improvements include a westbound passing lane, intersection signalization, and turn lanes to address and significantly reduce the number and severity of traffic accidents.

Project Contact Information

Website:  https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements 

Email: [email protected]

Hotline:  719-800-2162

About: Military Access, Mobility, Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Station, and Schriever Air Force Base. 

Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and 

construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.

  • Be patient!

Whole System. Whole Safety.

The CDOT Whole System — Whole Safety initiative is designed to heighten safety awareness by taking a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s operations, programs addressing driving behaviors, and  our built environment. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

About CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options. 

Covid-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment has promulgated guidelines for construction activities. Gov. Polis announced an emergency, temporary stay-at-home order for all of Colorado, which went into effect Thursday March 26. With this order, the public is urged to #DoYourPartCO and avoid all nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.