Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project - Week of May 31 Update
Travel Advisory
Colorado Springs — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor SEMA Construction will temporarily shift southbound I-25 easterly to the newly constructed inside lanes between South Academy Boulevard and Colorado Highway 16 (Mesa Ridge Parkway) beginning 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 1. Traffic shift construction schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. Traffic on I-25 will be head-to-head, separated by temporary barrier with 11 ft. lanes and 2 ft. shoulders.
Final work on the switch will take place one month later with a shift of southbound I-25 to the newly constructed lanes between CO 16 and Santa Fe Avenue. Motorists should be aware as they will also encounter a new southbound on-ramp configuration from South Academy Boulevard and a new southbound to westbound off-ramp configuration to CO 16 with the I-25 traffic switch. This traffic switch will be in place through June 2023 to allow for the construction of the new southbound lanes with concrete that will have increased 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. Motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the new traffic pattern. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.
As an added safety measure, CDOT has built four temporary emergency pull-off areas on the northbound side that drivers can use if necessary.
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.
Traffic speeds will be reduced to allow construction equipment access to the work zone located in the median. DO NOT FOLLOW CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES.
Motorists are encouraged to register for text alerts by Texting MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.
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 the corridor beginning at South Academy Boulevard and extending to the Santa Fe Avenue (CO 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson.
- 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 for this 7.5-mile segment;
- Installation of median barrier the entire length of this corridor;
- Rehab and widening work on four bridges along the corridor, and
- Installation of I-25 Southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with Colorado Highway 16.
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. It is estimated that the delivery of the MAMSIP project will, over its’ twenty years of operation, result in fewer deaths, injuries, and crashes on the four corridors the project addresses.
Project Information
For additional information about this project:
- Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
- Call the project information line at 719-800-2162
- Email the project team at: [email protected]
- Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the FREE COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/3DYCDOH
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
- See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/3n9ZAI1
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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!