Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of April 30

Travel Advisory

April 28, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Work includes preparation for traffic switch

Colorado Springs — Construction on Interstate 25 between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue requires ramp closures on Thursday night and overnight lane closures throughout the week to shift traffic barriers to prepare for the northbound traffic switch from mile 128 to 135.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, and continuing until Wednesday, May 3, drivers can anticipate left lane closures on northbound I-25. On Thursday night May 4, drivers can anticipate various lane closures and ramp closers on northbound I-25 to perform the traffic switch. All lanes reopen at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

The traffic switch that was originally scheduled for Saturday night, April 29 has been rescheduled for Thursday night, May 4. Northbound I-25 traffic will move to the newly constructed southbound lanes and will be head-to-head, separated by temporary barrier with 11-foot lanes and two-foot shoulders, so northbound lanes can be constructed. Motorists can expect new on- and off-ramps, lane closures, ramp closures and several detours with the traffic switch.

Northbound I-25 ramp closure detours include:

  • Entrance 128 at Santa Fe Avenue.: Traffic will travel north on Santa Fe Avenue / CanAm Highway to South Academy Boulevard., turn west and enter I-25 at Entrance 135.
  • Exit 132 at Mesa Ridge Parkway: Traffic will continue north to South Circle Drive, turn around and travel south to Exit 132A or 132B
  • Entrance 132 at Mesa Ridge Parkway: Traffic will proceed west to southbound Entrance 132, travel south to Exit 128, turn east onto Santa Fe Avenue, continue north on CanAm Highway to South Academy Boulevard, turn west and enter I-25 at Entrance 135
  • Exit 135 at South Academy Boulevard: Traffic will continue north to South Circle Drive, turn around and travel south to Exit 135

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change

Northbound I-25 detour map for the night of May 4, 2023
Northbound I-25 detour map for the night of May 4, 2023

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between U.S. 85/Fountain (mile 127) and South Academy Boulevard (mile 135)
Nighttime closures:

  • Sunday, April 30, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 left lane closure between Mile Point 127 to 132
  • Sunday, April 30, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 132 to 135
  • Monday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 3, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 127 to 132
  • Monday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 left lane closure between MP 132 to 135
  • Thursday, May 4, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 alternating left and right lane closures between MP 127 to 132
  • Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 alternating left and right lane closures between MP 132 to 135
  • Thursday, May 4, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 on-ramp closures at MP 128
  • Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 on-ramp closures at MP 132
  • Thursday, May 4, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 off-ramp closures at MP 132
  • Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 off-ramp closure at MP 135
  • Friday, May 5: This is a contingency night. Based on weather/temperatures the project team may choose to use this night to complete the traffic switch
    • 8 p.m. to 9 a.m., northbound I-25 alternating left and right lane closures between MP 127 to 135
    • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 on-ramp closure at MP 128
    • 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 on-ramp closures at MP132
    • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., northbound I-25 off-ramp closures at MP 132
    • 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., northbound I-25 off-ramp closure at MP 135

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 (U.S. 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 CO 16

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 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.

Project Information

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!