Commencing Monday, Oct. 13, Colorado Springs is set to embark on crucial median modifications along Garden of the Gods Road, just west of the Interstate 25 junction. The objective of this initiative is to bolster safety in an area with a notorious track record for traffic mishaps. According to the City of Colorado Springs, construction will persist for six to eight weeks, tackling both median and traffic signal enhancements, the latter east of I-25 starting in November.
Drivers navigating the segment stretching from Chestnut Street to the I-25 interchange should brace for lane closures adjacent to the medians and potential one-lane restrictions during daytime hours. Motorists planning to cross six lanes from north to south will be stymied by the construction work. The City has warned of expected short delays and advised vigilance for safety signage and evolving conditions on the road.
During this period, left turns will be off-limits from eastbound or westbound Garden of the Gods Road within the construction area. Traffic movements will be limited to right-in, right-out only for business access. Narrowing at key intersections is also planned, including a restriction to a single lane for left turns from westbound Garden of the Gods Road at Chestnut Street and for vehicles exiting the northbound I-25 ramp towards westbound Garden of the Gods Road.
Post-construction, the newly lengthened medians will permanently cease the possibility for motorists attempting to cross the thoroughfare from north to south and vice versa, therefore reducing the chances of accidents, a dire necessity given the history of 47 traffic accidents between 2015 and 2020 in the project zone west of I-25, as noted by the City of Colorado Springs. More efficient left-turn lanes at Chestnut from westbound Garden of the Gods Road will be implemented once the work is complete.
The $1.96 million project, necessary to curtail frequent accidents in the area, is financed by the Colorado Department of Transportation, assisted by funds from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
