South Academy Boulevard closures due to bridge deck panel concrete pour

Colorado Springs —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor SEMA Construction will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25 and detour southbound I-25 using the on- and off-ramp to cross South Academy Boulevard to continue on I-25 as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. Work is expected to be performed during evening hours on Friday, July 7, so construction crews can pour a concrete deck on the phase 2 I-25 bridges over South Academy Boulevard.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday

Re-route traffic on southbound I-25 using S. Academy Boulevard ramps
Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday

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

In addition, beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, and Thursday, July 6, drivers can anticipate a nightly right lane closure on southbound I-25 from South Academy Boulevard to Santa Fe. All lanes reopen daily at 6 a.m.

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic on I-25 will be head-to-head, separated by temporary barrier with 11-foot lanes and 2-foot 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 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 through the project area. Fines will be double through the construction zone.

Traffic Impacts

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

• Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. –7 a.m. Saturday
  • Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard
  • Contingency night for work will be Sunday night, July 9
• Friday, July 7, 6 p.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday
  • Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard
  • Contingency night for work will be Sunday night, July 9
• Friday, July 7, 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. Saturday
  • 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 Sunday night, July 9

Night work on southbound I-25 between U.S. 85/Fountain (mile 127) and South Academy Boulevard (mile 135)

• Wednesday, July 5 and Thursday, July 7, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, southbound I-25 right lane closure between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue

Project Overview

I-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 (US 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 twenty years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries, and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Contact Information

Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 719-800-2162
Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665

About: 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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• 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!