Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Update - Week of Dec. 18

Travel Advisory

December 14, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Traffic switch planned on southbound Interstate-25 between South Academy Boulevard and Colorado Highway 16

Colorado Springs —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation and SEMA Construction continue work on improvements on I-25 between South Academy Boulevard and North Santa Fe Avenue (Mile Point 135-127). As part of the I-25 improvement project, on Monday night, December 19, southbound traffic will shift to the newly constructed southbound lanes between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue. In order for construction crews to perform traffic switch there will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound I-25 between MP 127 to 131 and southbound I-25 lanes will be closed at S. Academy Blvd., traffic will utilize ramps at that location to continue south on I-25.Traffic switch planned on southbound Interstate-25 between South Academy Boulevard and Colorado Highway 16

The southbound traffic switch configuration on I-25 between S. Academy Blvd. and Santa Fe Ave. will be in place through April 2023 to allow for the construction of the new northbound travel lanes with concrete that will increase stability and durability.

The new traffic configuration will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Normal working hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 55 MPH. Slight traffic delays are expected and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the new traffic pattern. Fines will be double through the construction zone.

A Courtesy Patrol will be driving the work zone and will respond to incidents when notified. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and holidays. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between MP 127 and 135

  • Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, alternating right and left lane closures on southbound I-25 between MP 127 to 131 so construction crews can perform traffic switch
  • Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. nightly, southbound I-25 lanes will be closed at South Academy Boulevard and traffic will utilize ramps at that location to continue south on I-25
  • A traffic switch is currently in place from South Academy Boulevard and CO 16. Use extreme caution, speed limit 55 MPH

Project Overview | Interstate-25 – Safety and Efficiency Improvements

The improvements to I-25 addressed in this project are located along an approximately 7.5-mile segment of south I-25 beginning at S. Academy Blvd. and extending to the Santa Fe Ave. (CO 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson. The project includes:

  • Replacement of two bridges crossing over South Academy Boulevard
  • Widening of both inside and outside shoulders and installing safety improvements
  • Concrete surface treatment overlay to provide an improved riding surface
  • Installation of median barrier
  • Rehab and widening work on four bridges 
  • Installation of an I-25 southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with CO 16

Safety Benefits

CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes. These transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. Over the next twenty years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries, and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.


Project Information

For additional information about this project:

Know Before You Go

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:

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!