Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of May 19, 2024

Travel Advisory

May 17, 2024 - Nighttime southbound I-25 left lane closures planned on May 19 & 20 for median work

Colorado Springs —­­­­ On Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20 there will be nighttime southbound I-25 left lane closures as crews build construction access to the median:

  • Sunday, May 19, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., southbound I-25 left lane closure between Mesa Ridge Parkway and mile 133.
  • Monday, May 20, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., southbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 129 and 131.

A contingency night has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., on southbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 129 and 131.

In addition, Monday, May 20, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., there will be a nighttime northbound I-25 left lane closure to pave in the shoulder at MP 132.

El Paso County – MAMSIP – South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Bradley Road under the South Academy Boulevard bridge will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with flaggers and signage to assist travelers in navigation through construction to allow crews to continue work on the bridge. Expect minor delays.

Also, a minor lane shift to a new alignment is in place on the southbound South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to US 85/87 to allow crews to work on drainage pipes. Minor delays can be expected while constructing pavement for ramp shift. This shift will be in effect approximately two weeks.

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 until Fall.

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 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)

  • Sunday, May 19, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    • Southbound I-25 left lane closure between Mesa Ridge Parkway and MP 133
  • Monday, May 20, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    • Southbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 131 and MP 129
  • Monday, May 20, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    • Northbound I-25 left lane closure at MP 132
  • Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. (contingency)
    • Southbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 129 and 131

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard reduced to alternating one lane traffic
  • Thursday, May 9, 12 p.m. through May 23, 5 p.m.
    • Southbound South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to US 85/87 lane shift
  • 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
  • Fountain Creek Regional Trail under South Academy Boulevard has been reopened.

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!