Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of April 12, 2024

Travel Advisory

April 12, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - US 85/87 lane closures planned under South Academy Boulevard bridge for pipe installation

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Colorado Springs —­­­­ Starting Monday, April 15 at 7 a.m. through Friday, April 19, 7 p.m., there will be a southbound US 85/87 right and auxiliary lane closure under the South Academy bridge to allow crews to install drainage pipe and relocate a gas line across the roadway. Motorists are urged to use caution traveling through the area.

On Friday, April 19, 7 p.m. through Saturday, April 20, 4:30 a.m., there will be north- and southbound US 85/87 alternating lane closures under the South Academy Boulevard bridge to allow crews to place lane striping and temporary barrier for a temporary new configuration to allow for additional drainage work.

Starting Saturday, April 20, 4:30 a.m., through Friday night, April 26, there will be north- and southbound US 85/87 left lane closures approaching and under the South Academy Boulevard bridge to allow crews to continue drainage pipe installation across the roadway.

A shift to a temporary on-ramp for drivers entering northbound South Academy Boulevard from US 85/87 is ongoing as crews will perform work on roadway, drainage and utilities in the area. The ramp lane width will be reduced to 12 feet, and speeds will be reduced to 30 MPH. This closure will be in effect approximately five to six months.

Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy and the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced. Work crews are installing signage and flashing beacons to alert traffic to the reduced merge lengths.

All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard will be shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.

A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work.

I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)

  • On Monday night, April 15 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., there will be a southbound I-25 left lane closure between mile 131 to 129 to reset temporary barrier.

These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)

  • Monday, April 15 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    • Southbound I-25 left lane closure between mile 131 to 129

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Monday, April 15, 7 a.m. through Friday, April 19, 7 p.m.
    • Southbound US 85/87 right and auxiliary lane closure under South Academy Boulevard.
  • Friday, April 19, 7 p.m. through Saturday, April 20, 4:30 a.m.
    • North- and southbound US 85/87 alternating lane closures under South Academy Boulevard.
  • Saturday, April 20, 4:30 a.m., through Friday night, April 26
    • Northbound US 85/87 left lane closures under South Academy Boulevard.
  • Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approximately five to six months
  • Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road
  • Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge
  • Ongoing closure of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail under South Academy Boulevard

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

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing U.S. Highway 85/ 87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.

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!

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