May 03, 2024- A northbound US 85/87 right lane closure under the South Academy Boulevard bridge is scheduled on Sunday, May 5, 12 a.m. through Wednesday, May 8, 5 p.m. to allow crews to continue drainage pipe installation across the roadway.
Also, a minor lane shift to a new alignment will begin on Thursday, May 9, 12 p.m. on the southbound South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to US 85/87 to allow crews to work on drainage pipes. Minor delays can be expected while constructing pavement for ramp shift. This shift will be in effect approximately two weeks.
A shift to a temporary on-ramp for drivers entering northbound South Academy Boulevard from US 85/87 is ongoing as crews will perform work on roadway, drainage and utilities in the area. The ramp lane width will be reduced to 12 feet and speeds will be reduced to 30 MPH. This closure will be in effect approximately 5-6 months.
Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academyand the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced. Work crews are installing signage and flashing beacons to alert traffic to the reduced merge lengths.
All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard will be shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.
A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work.
These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.
Traffic Impacts
I-25 between US 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)
- Sunday, May 5, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Northbound I-25 left lane closure at Mesa Ridge Parkway (MP 132).
- Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
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- Northbound I-25 left lane closure at Mesa Ridge Parkway (MP 132).
- Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.
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- Full closures of westbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
- Friday, May 10, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
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- Full closures of eastbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.
- Friday, May 10, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
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- Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps.
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
- Sunday, May 5, 12 a.m. through Thursday, May 8, 5 p.m. | Northbound US 85/87 right lane closure under South Academy Boulevard.
- Thursday, May 9, 12 p.m. through May 23, 5 p.m. | Southbound South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to US 85/87 lane shift.
- Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approx. 5-6 months
- Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road
- Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge
- Fountain Creek Regional Trail under South Academy Boulevard will permanently open on Wednesday, May 8.
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 (US 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 Colorado Highway 16
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing US 85/87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.
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 twenty years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries, and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.
Project Contact Information
Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Email: I25CO94.mamsip@gmail.com
Hotline: 719-800-2162
Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665