Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program receives award for pavement work

News Release

May 16, 2024 - Interstate 25 Rehabilitation segment is recognized by American Concrete Pavement Association

Colorado Springs —­­­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with prime contractor SEMA Construction, Inc., concrete paving contractor Castle Rock Construction Company and design engineer AECOM, has been presented with a 2023 Excellence in Concrete Pavement Award from the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) in the category “Concrete Overlays – Highways” for paving performed on I-25 between Colorado Springs and Fountain. This is part of the work completed for one segment of the overall Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project managed by CDOT Region 2.

The 2023 Distinguished Service Awards were presented on December 14, 2023 at the 60th Annual ACPA Meeting held at Marco Island, FL. The awards are given annually to recognize the accomplishments, commitment and excellence of innovative and forward-thinking professionals in the transportation community, along with the exceptional highways, streets, roads and airports they build and rehabilitate.

CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson commented, “We are pleased with the results of the concrete surface treatment overlay in this area of I-25. The improved riding surface is safer, causes less wear and tear on vehicles, reduces maintenance costs and provides a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.”

According to the ACPA website, they “present distinguished service awards in recognition of people and practices that represent the very best the transportation-construction community has to offer. The award program was established in 1968 when the Association’s first honoree was James W. Johnson, Iowa Highway Commission Testing Lab for invention of the slipform pavement machine.”

Award winning concrete paving south of Colorado Springs - part of the Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvements Project.
Award winning concrete paving south of Colorado Springs - part of the Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvements Project.

Award winning concrete paving at South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs - part of the Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvements Project.
Award winning concrete paving at South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs - part of the Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvements Project.

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

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!

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