Denver
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 11, 2025
Colorado Springs Drivers Alerted to Road Closures and Detours Amid South Academy Blvd Widening ProjectSource: Google Street View

Drivers in Colorado Springs can expect multiple road closures and detours starting Jan. 13 as the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP) progresses with the South Academy Boulevard Widening Project. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the southbound I-25 on-ramp from westbound South Academy Boulevard will be closed from Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. to Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. for drainage pipe installation. During the closure, westbound traffic will be detoured to Magrath Avenue, then south to entry I-25 South via eastbound South Academy Boulevard.

Additionally, the southbound off-ramp from South Academy Boulevard to Coventry Drive is going to temporarily close starting Monday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for sound wall panel installation. "Traffic intending to enter Coventry Drive from southbound South Academy Boulevard will continue east to Venetucci Boulevard, travel north to B Street, and turn east onto East Las Vegas Street," states the project update, advising drivers to utilize Maxwell Street before turning onto Coventry Drive to bypass the closure.

Another significant development communicated by the Colorado Department of Transportation is the ongoing realignment of South Academy Boulevard's east- and westbound lanes between I-25 and Fountain Creek. This traffic shift aims to facilitate work on the road's outer lanes, drainage pipes, and a new noise barrier. This redirection is expected to remain until spring 2025, potentially impacting daily commutes. Motorists will also notice that the I-25 northbound off-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard has been realigned with a reduced acceleration lane. The changes are meant to accommodate the widening of South Academy Boulevard from two to three lanes in each direction, improving traffic flow and safety in the long term.

With work zones adjusted, drivers are urged to exercise increased caution, especially since merge lengths on entrance ramps have been reduced. The shift also impacts Bradley Road, with all lanes moved to the center of the road, allowing workers to construct new bridge piers. "Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits. Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected," as per the Colorado Department of Transportation, emphasizing the importance of driver awareness in ensuring the safety of both workers and commuters.

The South Academy Boulevard project, managed by El Paso County, encompasses a 1.5-mile section of the road, running from the I-25 interchange, across US Highway 85/87, and towards Milton Proby Parkway. The endeavor, expected to be completed by early 2026, includes numerous upgrades such as improved lighting, modified merge lanes, and enhanced drainage facilities. The project is a segment of MAMSIP, enabled by an $18 million BUILD grant, aimed at bolstering the mobility and safety near prominent military installations in El Paso County.

Denver-Transportation & Infrastructure