CO Highway 115 Improvements Project nearing completion

News Release

September 20, 2024 - Southeastern Colorado - Elected officials and CDOT leaders gathered Sept. 5 for a ribbon cutting ceremony

El Paso County — Elected officials and Colorado Department of Transportation leaders gathered Thursday at Fort Carson Gate 10 on CO Highway 115 to celebrate the completion of roadway and bridge improvements from Colorado Springs to Penrose.

Southeastern Colorado continues to grow and CO 115 is a vital connection point between many communities. The needed improvements are part of CDOT's 10-year improvement plan and they address two of the agency's top priorities by making the roadway safer and improving mobility.

"I am so glad to let you know that this project, when it was begun, was by my predecessor Representative Lois Landgraf," said Colorado State Representative Mary Bradfield. "Thank you to all who planned and worked on this project.”

Major improvements to CO 115 between Colorado Springs and Penrose included the addition of passing lanes, right turn lanes, the reconstruction of Rock Creek Bridge and performing major rehabilitation or reconstruction of cracked and distressed pavement. Construction began in mid-2022.

”This is a critical commercial artery and it is a critical artery for National security and readiness," said Colorado State Senator Bob Gardner of the CO 115 corridor that is the west border of Fort Carson Army Base.

"Transportation projects help people live their lives," said Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator John Cater, “and do the things they need to do safely and efficiently whether it's going to work, to shop or to recreate.”

This project also incorporated one-half mile of wildlife fencing in both directions to curb wildlife collisions. Wildlife underpasses and culverts are becoming more common as CDOT looks for ways to reduce the average of 3,300 wildlife-vehicle collisions that cause $80 million in damages each year.

"I am exceptionally pleased that from our conversations with CDOT and our Transportation Commissioners, they took this project and placed it as a priority in their 10-year plan so that we now have a much safer highway," said El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf.

In light of the week’s tragic events on a CDOT maintenance project killing two CDOT workers, Colorado Transportation Commissioner Hannah Parsons implored motorists to remember the importance of the Colorado Move Over Law, "Our CDOT and contractor colleagues put their lives at risk to improve our safety and mobility.”

Castle Rock Construction is the prime contractor for the $40 million project. Other project features include a new box culvert, roadside drainage improvements, new sidewalk connections, lighting, guardrail, signs and pavement markings. The project improves roadway and bridge safety, enhances mobility and provides a smoother driving surface.

Minor finishing work is underway.

Elected officials cut a ribbon in celebration of the near completion of the Colorado Highway 115 Improvements Project
CDOT North Program Engineer John Hall, El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf, Federal Highway Administration Division Administrator John Cater, Colorado State Representative Mary Bradfield, Colorado State Senator Bob, District 9 Transportation Commissioner Hannah Parsons, CDOT Project Engineer Joseph Kibbin and CDOT Resident Engineer Wayne Pittman cut a ribbon in celebration of the near completion of the Colorado Highway 115 Improvements Project south of Colorado Springs.

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!

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