Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of March 17, 2024

Travel Advisory

March 11, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - Nighttime South Academy Boulevard closures planned for bridge girder set

Colorado Springs —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under Interstate 25 and detour north- and southbound I-25 using on- and off-ramps at South Academy Boulevard as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project to install bridge girders over South Academy Boulevard. Work is planned during evening hours on Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19. South Academy Boulevard will also have nighttime closures in the eastbound and westbound direction, March 20-23 and March 25-29, to install overhangs and decking for the bridge. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, March 20, 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 21, 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
  • Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 10:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29, 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

  • Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 22, 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 10:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Re-route traffic on north- and southbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard off- and on-ramps

  • Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The following 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
  • North- and southbound I-25 traffic will take exit 135 off-ramps and re-enter the on-ramps to continue.

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 for South Academy Boulevard bridge work over I-25 project map
Detour for South Academy Boulevard bridge work over I-25 project map

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!