Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program - Week of October 16 Update

Travel Advisory

October 17, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Nighttime full closure of South Academy and I-25

Colorado Springs — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor SEMA Construction will temporarily close southbound I-25 Tuesday, October 18 and northbound I-25 Wednesday, October 19 over South Academy Boulevard and the east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25 each night as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. The nighttime closures are scheduled nightly Monday, October 17 through Friday, October 21.

Detours will be in place:

  • Eastbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted south on I-25 to Colorado Highway 16 (exit 132A), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 north to South Academy Boulevard
  • Westbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted north on I-25 to Lake Ave./South Circle Dr. (exit 138), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 south to South Academy Boulevard
  • Southbound I-25 traffic will take exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue south
  • Northbound I-25 traffic will take exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north.

Use signed detour route. Fort Carson personnel should consider using alternate gates. Head-to-head traffic continues on I-25, separated by temporary barrier with 11 ft. lanes and 2 ft. shoulders. This 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.

MAMSIP Project Update Full Closure

Traffic Impacts

Night work on I-25 between MP 127 and 136

  • Monday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., full closure of South Academy Boulevard
  • Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard and southbound I-25.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard and northbound I-25
  • Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., full closure of South Academy Boulevard
  • A traffic switch is currently in place from South Academy Boulevard to US-85 (Santa Fe). 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 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. 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 Colorado Highway 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 20 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!