Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of August 20

Travel Advisory

August 18, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Nighttime work includes I-25 traffic switch and South Academy Boulevard closures

Colorado Springs —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation has scheduled a traffic switch on southbound I-25 over South Academy Boulevard next week to shift traffic onto the newly constructed bridge at mile point 135. During the switch on Wednesday night, August 23, 7 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., southbound traffic will detour using the on- and off-ramp over South Academy Boulevard. Please follow posted signage

Southbound I-25 detour map using southbound on- and off-ramps
Southbound I-25 detour map using southbound on- and off-ramps

Also, the closures of eastbound and westbound South Academy Boulevard under I-25 will continue next week so crews can complete removal of bridge overhangs. I-25 bridge work will take place during evening hours on Monday, Aug. 21, and Tuesday, Aug. 22. All lanes will reopen at 6:30 a.m.

  • Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard
    • Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22, 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
  • Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard
    • Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22, 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

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 Avenue/South Circle Drive (exit 138), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 south to South Academy Boulevard 

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Detour map for South Academy Boulevard closures
Detour map for South Academy Boulevard closures

Traffic on I-25 will be head-to-head, 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 increased to 60 MPH on northbound I-25 starting at milepost 129 and on southbound I-25 starting at milepost 134. Other project limits, the speed limit remains at 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.

Traffic Impacts

Bridge overhang removal on I-25 at South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)
Nighttime closures:

  • Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22, 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. nightly
    • Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard
  • Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22, 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. nightly
    • Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

Night work on southbound I-25 at South Academy Boulevard for traffic switch (mile 135)

  • Wednesday, August 23, 7 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
    • Re-route traffic on southbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue south.
    • Contingency night for work will be Thursday night, August 24

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 (U.S. 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 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Contact Information

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.

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!