Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Update - Week of Oct. 30

Travel Advisory

October 28, 2022 - Southeastern Colorado - Nighttime lane closures on South Academy Boulevard and I-25

Colorado Springs - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor SEMA Construction will close northbound I-25 lanes over South Academy Boulevard. Northbound I-25 traffic will utilize the off- and on-ramp (Exit 135) to continue north, minimal delays are expected. The nighttime closure is scheduled for Friday, November 4, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. A southbound left lane closure will be in effect that night. South Academy Boulevard lanes will also be closed Friday, Nov. 4 under I-25 as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project.

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
  • Northbound I-25 traffic will take exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north.

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.

  • 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.

Work is wrapping up on Charter Oak Ranch Road and Santa Fe Avenue. Flaggers will be on location for the alternating lane and shoulder closures. The roundabout is now open with final grading taking place.

There will be flaggers on location with alternating single lane closure east- and westbound on Colorado Highway 94, Monday, Oct.31 through Wednesday, Nov. 2, during daytime hours as well as Friday evening, to accommodate paving activities. An alternate route is advised. A full closure is still in place at CO94 and North Blaney Road. Expect intermittent lane closures east- and westbound on CO 94

A Courtesy Patrol will be driving the I-25 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

Night work on I-25 between MP 127 and 136 - Friday, Nov. 4

  • 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., southbound left lane closure on I-25 at exit 135 South Academy Boulevard 
  • 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., northbound lane closures on I-25, take exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north
  • 6 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., westbound closure of South Academy Boulevard 
  • 7 p.m. – 6:30 a.m., eastbound 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.

Santa Fe Avenue and Charter Oak Ranch Road

  • Flagging operations with alternating lane and shoulder closures on Santa Fe Ave. and Charter Oak Ranch Road Monday, Oct. 30 to Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to allow crews to complete roadway improvements.
    CO 94
  • Flagging operations east- and westbound, Monday, Oct. 31 to Wednesday, Nov. 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday night, Nov. 4, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for asphalt paving activities.
  • A full closure is in place on North Blaney Road. Vehicles will not be able to access North Blaney Road from CO 94 or access CO 94 from North Blaney Road. This closure will remain in place through Dec.
  • A detoured intersection for South Blaney Road has been moved temporarily 300 feet to the east utilizing the future Jug Handle roadway to re-enter South Blaney Road. Use extreme caution in the area.
  • A traffic shift is in place.
  • Speed limit 50 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!

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