Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project Update

News Release

October 10, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - Ribbon Cutting Marks Completion of Critical I-25 Safety and Efficiency Improvements

El Paso County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and SEMA Construction marked the completion of a major Interstate 25 improvement project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 8. This initiative, utilizing approximately half of the total Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project (MAMSIP) budget, enhances safety and mobility along a crucial 7.5-mile stretch of I-25 in El Paso County. The improvements span from South Academy Boulevard to the Santa Fe Avenue (US Highway 85) exit at Fountain, providing better access to Fort Carson's Gate 19 and significantly upgrading regional infrastructure.

"The project was designed to reduce crashes and fatalities on I-25, which is one of the state's busiest interstate corridors, while still ensuring economic vitality provided by the north to south route is maintained." emphasized CDOT Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger. "CDOT values the importance of our role in the strategic defense of our country and a transportation network that supports the safe and efficient movement of personnel and equipment is critical to the area's growth and to ensure access between our military bases."

CDOT Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger addresses the crowd at the MAMSIP I-25 Safety and Efficiency Project ribbon cutting on Oct. 8.
CDOT Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger addresses the crowd at the MAMSIP I-25 Safety and Efficiency Project ribbon cutting on Oct. 8.

The project, which stretches from South Academy Boulevard to the Santa Fe Avenue (US 85) exit at Fountain, includes:

  • Replacement of two bridges over South Academy Boulevard
  • Widening of shoulders and installation of safety improvements
  • Concrete surface treatment overlay
  • Installation of median barriers
  • Rehabilitation and widening of four bridges
  • Addition of a southbound deceleration lane at Colorado Highway 16

Shane Ferguson, CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director, highlighted the project's safety benefits, "It is estimated that delivery of the MAMSIP project, over a twenty year period of operation, will result in 34 fewer deaths and nearly 1,200 fewer injuries on all four MAMSIP projects. On I-25 alone, these improvements are estimated to reduce fatalities by approximately 28 fatalities over the same period."

The project's impact extends beyond civilian traffic. Fort Carson Garrison Interim Director of Public Works Mark Hunsicker noted, "With approximately 26,000 soldiers assigned post and 40,000 family members, the impact of I-25 improvements cannot be overstated."

"This project accomplishes many things. The most obvious is the improvement of the roadway pavement and the widening of the shoulders." said Colorado Division Administrator at the Federal Highway Administration John Cater. "The project also involved the replacement or rehabilitation of six bridges - bridges are vital links in our transportation network."

The MAMSIP project is a crucial component of CDOT's 10-Year Strategic Plan, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure across Colorado. Hannah Parsons, District 9 Colorado Transportation Commissioner, emphasized the economic impact, "Traffic safety measures like these MAMSIP improvements are among the best ways to positively impact the economy and improve quality of life for all residents and visitors to Colorado Springs region."

As the Pikes Peak region continues to grow, these improvements are timely and necessary. City of Colorado Springs Deputy Chief of Staff Travis Easton remarked, "As the City of Colorado Springs continues to experience rapid growth, in both our urban areas and our surrounding communities, the importance of this corridor cannot be overstated."

Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Executive Director Andrew Gunning presented statistics on the region's growth, "The State demographers office is forecasting that by the year 2040, the Pikes Peak region will grow to about one million people, adding about 350,000 more. The MAMSIP project is another element of our transportation network and a great example of how we are responding to critical transportation needs for today and for the future growth of our region."

With the completion of this I-25 component, CDOT now turns its attention to the final piece of MAMSIP - the widening of South Academy Boulevard. "Thank you to the local community for their cooperation and patience as we continue to progress with the final MAMSIP project," Ferguson added.

The project was made possible through funding contributions from CDOT, El Paso County, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, and a BUILD Grant (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

CDOT and community officials cut the official ribbon for the MAMSIP I-25 Safety and Efficiency Improvements Project on Oct. 8
CDOT and community officials cut the official ribbon for the MAMSIP I-25 Safety and Efficiency Improvements Project on Oct. 8. Pictured from left: CDOT North Program Engineer John Hall, State Senator Bob Gardner, CDOT Deputy Executive Director Herman Stockinger, FHWA Division Administrator John Cater, District 9 Colorado Transportation Commissioner Hannah Parsons, Colorado Springs Deputy Chief of Staff Travis Easton, CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson, Fort Carson Interim Director of Public Works Mark Hunsicker, CDOT MAMSIP Project Engineer Randy Johnson, PPACG Executive Director Andrew Gunning, Fountain Mayor Sharon Thompson, SEMA Construction Senior Project Manager Curt Scanlan and CDOT Resident Engineer Wayne Pittman.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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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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