Reconstruction of Powers Boulevard (CO 21) and Research Parkway interchange requires two-month closure of Research Parkway

News Release

November 9, 2021 - Southeastern Colorado


COLORADO SPRINGS —Beginning Nov. 15, motorists will encounter a full closure of Research Parkway from the westside of Powers Boulevard (CO 21) to Channel Drive. Access will also be restricted on Research Parkway, east of CO 21. The closure and restricted access are necessary as CDOT constructs a large portion of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). The closure will be in place for two-months, which will allow for a safer work zone, limit the need for noisy nighttime work activities, reduce the construction timeline and reduce construction costs. Business and school access will remain open through the duration of the Research Parkway closure.

During this closure northbound and southbound Powers Boulevard (CO 21) will not be impacted.

There will be no access to Powers Boulevard (CO 21) from Research Parkway on the west side.

Access to Powers Boulevard from Research Parkway on the east side will be limited to northbound access only.

Southbound Powers Boulevard will be accessed from the east side using the signalized U turns north and south of the intersection.

Once completed, the new Diverging Diamond Interchange will increase the flow of traffic by allowing free-flowing turns when entering and exiting Powers Boulevard (CO 21) from Research Parkway by eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic and reducing the number of traffic signals. In addition to building the new Diverging Diamond Interchange structure with Powers Boulevard (CO 21) going over Research Parkway, the project will include new pavement to three miles of Powers Boulevard (CO 21) and add pedestrian/bicycle enhancements to improve access to schools in the area. The project is in response to the growth in the northeastern area of Colorado Springs along the Powers Boulevard (CO 21) corridor and is part of CDOT’s on-going effort to improve interchanges along the corridor.

Powrs Blvd. Map

Traffic Impacts

Monday, November 15 through Thursday, January 13, full closure of Research Parkway will be in effect west of Powers Boulevard to Channel Drive and restricted access will be in place on Research Parkway east of Powers Boulevard. Motorists should expect delays.
Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org

Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts

See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html

Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

All scheduled closures are weather permitting.

Click here to sign up to receive weekly project updates.

To learn about project phases, funding procurement and the future configuration, please visit our Virtual Open House.

Stay Connected

Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/co-21-research-parkway-interchange-study/construction

Email: [email protected]

Hotline: 720-507-6255

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Suggested detours:

Eastbound Research Parkway and Powers Boulevard bound traffic from the west side will turn left on Austin Bluffs Parkway, continue north to Briargate Parkway and turn right. Continue east to access Powers Boulevard (CO21) or continue to Grand Cordera Parkway, turn left and continue south to access Research Parkway.

Westbound Research Parkway and Powers Boulevard bound traffic from the east side will turn right on Grand Cordera Parkway, continue north to Briargate Parkway and turn left. Continue west to access Powers Boulevard (CO21) or continue to Austin Bluffs Parkway, turn left and continue south to access Research Parkway.

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

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.
  • atch 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!

Powers Boulevard (CO 21) and Research Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange Project - Full Closure of Research Parkway beginning Nov. 15