Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of July 14, 2024

Travel Advisory

July 12, 2024 - Northbound Interstate 25 temporary full closure, and ramp and lane closures planned for traffic switch and final lane striping

Colorado Springs —­­­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close northbound Interstate 25 between Mesa Ridge Parkway and South Academy Boulevard, and the northbound on-ramp from Mesa Ridge Parkway, to Interstate 25. The temporary full closure is part of a traffic switch to a new lane alignment that will go onto the newly constructed bridge over South Academy Boulevard on the MAMSIP project. This traffic switch will be performed during nighttime hours, July 18. Crews will also profile grind the concrete pavement ramps and apply permanent striping to the roadway surface, the week of July 15. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Temporary full closure of northbound I-25 on Thursday, July 18, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Mile Point 132 to 135 for barrier removal and striping to accommodate new lane alignment.

A detour will be in place:

  • Northbound I-25 traffic will exit at Mesa Ridge Parkway (exit 132), travel east to the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), turn north and continue to South Academy Boulevard, and turn west to re-enter I-25 at Mile Point 135.
Detour map for full closure of northbound I-25
Detour map for full closure of northbound I-25.

Other work on northbound I-25 includes:

A northbound I-25 off-ramp closure is planned for Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Mesa Ridge Parkway (MP 132) for crews to apply final pavement markings. A detour will be in place:

  • Traffic exiting at Mesa Ridge Parkway will continue north to South Academy Boulevard (MP 135), turn around and travel south to exit 132A
Detour map for northbound I-25 off-ramp closure
Detour map for northbound I-25 off-ramp closure.

Work on southbound I-25 includes:

Southbound I-25 on- and off-ramp and right lane closures are planned for Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Santa Fe Avenue (MP 128) for crews to apply final pavement markings. Detours will be in place:

  • Traffic exiting at Santa Fe Avenue will continue south to Pikes Peak International Raceway (MP 122), turn around and travel north to exit 128.
  • Traffic entering Southbound I-25 will travel north to Mesa Ridge Parkway, turn around and enter I-25 South.
Detour map for southbound I-25 on- and off-ramp and right lane closures
Detour map for southbound I-25 on- and off-ramp and right lane closures

Other work for the week of July 14:

There will be alternating left and right lane closures on north- and southbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at Mesa Ridge Parkway on Monday, July 15, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to allow crews to grind concrete roadway.

There will be alternating left and right lane closures on north- and southbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at Santa Fe Avenue on Monday, July 15, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to allow crews to grind asphalt roadway.

The east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under I-25 will be temporarily closed as part of the bridge reconstruction project. Removal of bridge overhang structures over South Academy Boulevard are planned during nighttime hours on Friday, July 19.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Friday, July 19, 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Friday, July 19, 8 p.m. to 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

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10 to 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 closure at South Academy Boulevard under I-25
Detour map of closure at South Academy Boulevard under I-25

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Colorado Springs — Bradley Road under the South Academy Boulevard bridge will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic controlled by flaggers on Monday, July 16, Thursday, July 19, and Friday, July 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow crews to perform work on the bridge.

Bradley Road under the South Academy Boulevard bridge will be closed Friday, July 19, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to pour a new concrete roadway deck on the bridge. Also, there will be north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard left lane closures over Bradley Road to ensure safe conditions for the traveling public and for crews working below. Detours will be in place:

  • Eastbound Bradley Road traffic will be diverted south on South Academy Boulevard, exit onto the CanAm Highway, turn around and re-enter South Academy northbound to the Bradley Road exit, and turn east.
  • Westbound Bradley Road traffic will be diverted to Hancock Expressway, turn north and then west onto Milton Proby Parkway, turn south and travel to the Bradley Road exit, or turn north to continue on northbound South Academy.
Detour map for Bradley Road closure under South Academy Boulevard Bridge
Detour map for Bradley Road closure under the South Academy Boulevard Bridge

There will be a temporarily closure of the on-ramp from Hartford Street to northbound South Academy Boulevard starting Monday, July 16 at 8 a.m. that will last approximately 4 weeks. Following that, there will also be a temporary closure of the South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to southbound Harford Street starting Monday, July 29 at 8 a.m. These closures are necessary to allow crews to install drainage pipes across the road and reconstruct the Hartford on and off ramps. Full closures decrease the duration of traffic impacts and increase safety for the traveling public and crews.

Detours will be in place:

  • Traffic intending to enter northbound South Academy Boulevard will continue north to Welton Drive, travel east to Maxwell Street and turn north to East Las Vegas Street (CanAm Highway), and travel southeast to enter South Academy.
  • Eastbound South Academy Boulevard exiting to Hartford Street will continue east to US 85/87, turn around and travel west to Coventry Drive, travel north to Welton Drive, turn west and travel to southbound Hartford Street.
Detour map for closure of the on-ramp from Hartford Street to northbound South Academy Boulevard
Detour map for closure of the on-ramp from Hartford Street to northbound South Academy Boulevard

On Thursday, July 19 at 7 p.m. through Friday, July 20 at 4:30 a.m., there will be northbound South Academy Boulevard alternating lane closures between Bradley Road and MiltonProby to allow crews to set up barriers to shift traffic lanes to the center. Starting Friday, July 20, 4:30 a.m., the lane shift will allow crews to perform drainage and roadway work. This new alignment will be in place for approximately three months.

Due to weather impacts, the following planned impacts have been rescheduled:

  • There will now be alternating ramp and lane closures on westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek on Wednesday, July 18, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to move barriers and place pavement markings in preparation for a lane shift to the inside.
  • This shift towards to the inside will allow crews to work on the outside lanes and install drainage pipes. During this new alignment, Coventry Drive traffic intending to travel west on South Academy will be diverted: westbound traffic will enter northbound I-25, travel to South Circle Drive (Mile Point 138), turn around and continue south to exit 135 to continue westbound South Academy. This detour will be in place for approximately three weeks.
Coventry Drive traffic intending to travel west on South Academy diverted.
Map of Coventry Drive traffic intending to travel west on South Academy diverted

A shift of eastbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek towards the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes, install drainage pipes, and prepare to construct a noise barrier. This alignment will be in place approximately until Spring 2025.

Motorists are also advised that the shift of the northbound I-25 off-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard to a new alignment is ongoing and will have a short acceleration lane.

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.

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

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)

  • Full closure of northbound I-25 between MP 132 to 135, Thursday, July 18, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Alternating left and right lane closures on north- and southbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at Mesa Ridge Parkway, Monday, July 15, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Alternating left and right lane closures on north- and southbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at Santa Fe Avenue, Monday, July 15, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Southbound I-25 on- and off-ramp and right lane closures at MP 128, Tuesday, July 16, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Northbound I-25 off-ramp closure at MP 132, Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Southbound I-25 off-ramps and right lane closures at MP 132, Friday, July 19, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard under I-25
    • Friday, July 19, 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
  • Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard under I-25
    • Friday, July 19, 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Ongoing shift of eastbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek to middle until Spring 2025
  • Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard reduced to one alternating lane
    • Monday, July 16, Thursday, July 19 and Friday, July 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Temporary full closure of Hartford Street on-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard. Use detour route.
    • Tuesday, July 16, starting 4:30 a.m. (in place for approximately four weeks)
  • Various ramp and lane closures on westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek
    • Wednesday, July 18, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Shift of westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes between I-25 and Fountain Creek to middle until Spring 2025
    • Starting Thursday, July 19 at 4:30 a.m.
  • Southbound Coventry Drive to westbound South Academy traffic detour
    • Starting Thursday, July 19 at 4:30 a.m. (in place for approximately three weeks)
  • Full closure of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard
    North- and southbound South Academy left lane closures over Bradley Road
    • Friday, July 19, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Full closure of existing southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place until Fall 2024
  • Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place until Fall 2024
  • Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge

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!