Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of April 28, 2024

Travel Advisory

April 26, 2024 - Nighttime South Academy Boulevard closures planned to pour new concrete bridge deck on Friday, May 3

Colorado Springs —­­­­  The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under Interstate 25 and detour northbound I-25 using on- and off-ramps at South Academy Boulevard as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. The pouring of a new concrete bridge deck over South Academy Boulevard is planned during nighttime hours on Friday, May 3. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps

  • Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 9 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
  • Northbound I-25 traffic will take the exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north.

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10-15 minutes are expected and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the area. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.

Detour Map of East- and Westbound South Academy Boulevard on I-25

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

North- and southbound US 85/87 will be reduced to one lane each direction under the South Academy bridge from Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 3 at 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to install drainage pipe across the roadway. Motorists are urged to use caution traveling through the area.

Also, on Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. through Friday, May 3, 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 for a temporary new configuration which will consist of a single lane closure in both the north- and southbound directions to continue drainage work.

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 5 to 6 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.

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)

  • Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
    • Full closures of westbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
  • Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
    • Full closures of eastbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
  • Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
    • Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Monday, April 29, 9 a.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m.
    • North- and southbound US 85/87 reduced to one lane in each direction under South Academy Boulevard.
  • Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m.
    • North- and southbound US 85/87 alternating 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 approx. 5 to 6 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!

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!