Diverging diamond interchange at CO 21 Powers Boulevard and Airport Road

Travel Advisory

June 18, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - Construction will begin June 24

Colorado Springs — The Colorado Department of Transportation with its contract partner WW Clyde, will start a major construction project in east Colorado Springs next week to replace the existing Powers Boulevard (Colorado Highway 21 / US Highway 24) and Airport Road intersection with a diverging diamond interchange.

Construction activity will take place adjacent to the highway with minor traffic impacts on Powers Boulevard and Airport Road during the first year of construction. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026.

“The new interchange will be built north of the existing signalized intersection without disturbing current traffic patterns during most of the construction. This is one of the Region’s busiest intersections and keeping traffic moving outside of Peterson Space Force Base is essential,” said CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson.

This project will realign Airport Road, improve the Airport Road and Stewart Avenue intersection, and add pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Work includes bridge and ramp construction, placing embankment, concrete paving, overhead sign structure installation, new traffic signals and permanent water quality ponds.

The DDI design was selected for this location to address congestion, improve safety, and add multimodal facilities that will allow for a safer and more comfortable travel experience for cars, pedestrians and cyclists. Similar interchanges have been constructed at Fillmore Street and I-25, Research Parkway and Powers Boulevard in Colorado Springs and other locations across Colorado.

When driving a DDI, motorists proceed through a traffic signal upon entering the interchange and simply follow their lane to the opposite side of the roadway. Drivers needing to access I-25 from CO 60 will turn left at the on-ramp without having to stop again or wait for oncoming traffic to pass. Through traffic proceeds to a second traffic signal and follows the lane back to the customary side of the road.

In addition, left-turn movements, which are a typical challenge with standard interchanges, are eliminated with a DDI, which minimizes T-bone type accidents.

Drivers can view the video below on how to drive a DDI for more detailed information:
Diverging Diamond Interchange Video

Additional Benefits of DDI

  • Reduces delays using a two-phase signal as opposed to a traditional four or six-phase signal
  • Requires fewer lanes but can handle more traffic capacity
  • Reduces conflict points at intersections
  • Improves pedestrian crossing safety with easier access to medians
  • Increases left-turn capacity
  • Eliminates wrong-way entry to ramps
  • Costs less than a typical free-flow interchange utilizing single directional flyover ramps

Traffic Impacts

Motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts during construction:

  • Daytime work hours Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m
  • Saturday work can be expected
  • Intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts
  • Infrequent overnight closures to set bridge girders
  • Trucks entering and exiting the work zone
  • Speed reductions and width restriction are possible
  • Construction schedule is weather dependent

Map identifying the the construction area of new diverging diamond interchange at CO Highway 21 / US Highway 24 (Powers Boulevard) and Airport Road in east Colorado Springs
Map identifying the the construction area of new Diverging Diamond Interchange at CO Highway 21 / US Highway 24 (Powers Boulevard) and Airport Road in east Colorado Springs.

Map showing the final configuration of the Diverging Diamond Interchange on Airport Road crossing over Colorado Highway 21 Powers Boulevard
Map showing the final configuration of the Diverging Diamond Interchange on Airport Road crossing over Colorado Highway 21 Powers Boulevard

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!