Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvements for the Week of June 11

Travel Advisory

June 13, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - South Academy Boulevard closures due to deck panel set

Colorado Springs—­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor SEMA Construction will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25 next week as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. I-25 bridge work over South Academy Boulevard is expected to be performed during evening hours on Monday, June 12, through Friday, June 16 for installation of new deck panels and overhang structures.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. nightly
  • Friday, June 16, 8 p.m. – 7:30 a.m

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. nightly
  • Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 5:30 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

Traffic on I-25 will be head-to-head, separated by temporary barrier with 11 ft. lanes and 2 ft. shoulders. The 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, June 12, through Friday, June 16. 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.

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Detour map for South Academy Boulevard closure
Detour map for South Academy Boulevard closure

Traffic Impacts

Bridge deck panel set on southbound I-25 at South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)

  • Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. nightly
  • Friday, June 16, 8 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
    • Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard
  • Monday, June 12 through Thursday, June 15, 6 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. nightly
  • Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.
    • Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

Project Overview

Interstate-25 – Safety and Efficiency Improvements

  • The improvements are located along an approximately 7.5 mile segment between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue (US 85/87 exit) in Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Fort Carson’s Gate 19. 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 CO 16 interchange

Project Information

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.

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

The Colorado Department of Transportation 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!