Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Updates for Week of Oct. 19, 2025

Travel Advisory

Oct. 17, 2025 - Southeastern Colorado - Overnight traffic pacing and brief ramp closures on South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway for asphalt pavement testing

Colorado Springs — There will be mobile traffic pacing operations controlled by Colorado Springs Police Department on north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway, and brief intermittent ramp closures at various interchanges through the project work zone, overnight on Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for testing and inspection of new asphalt pavement. Watch for signage indicating closures or lane shifts, and plan for delays.

There will be a right shoulder closure on the southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from Coventry Drive to I-25 on Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for crews to perform electrical work near the roadway.

There are ongoing lane reductions on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive for additional traffic signal and island installations. This alignment is planned to remain in place through Oct. 27.

  • There will be a southbound South Academy Boulevard left lane closure under I-25, with two thru lanes remaining open in this area.
  • The northbound South Academy Boulevard left turn lane to enter the northbound I-25 on-ramp will be closed west of the southbound I-25 on-ramps.

Delays should be expected, particularly during peak travel times. Drivers should allow extra time, maintain safe following distances, and merge early and safely when approaching the work zone. Drivers planning to access I-25 southbound will need to move to the center lane well in advance.

A shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek towards the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes. This alignment is anticipated to remain in place until November 2025.

Motorists should use caution as lanes will be narrowed across the northbound bridge over US 85/87 so crews can continue bridge work.

These closures are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

  • Overnight traffic pacing on north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway on Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Plan for delays
  • Brief intermittent ramp closures on north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard at various interchanges between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway controlled by police officers on Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Watch for signage and plan for delays
  • Overnight right shoulder closure on the southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from Coventry Drive on Monday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Various ongoing lane reductions on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive through Monday, Oct. 27. Plan for delays
  • Ongoing shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek until November 2025

Project Overview

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

Project Contact 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!