Major traffic pattern changes at Powers Boulevard and Airport Road expected in late February

Travel Advisory

Feb. 20, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - Portions of the new interchange will open to traffic next week

Colorado Springs — Next week, crews plan to open portions of the new diverging diamond interchange at Powers Boulevard (Colorado Highway 21) and Airport Road, resulting in changes to traffic patterns. Both of the new Airport Road bridges over Powers Boulevard will open. Because some ramps are not fully constructed, detours will be required for some turning movements. The traffic pattern shift is expected to be complete by Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Airport Road through traffic

  • Through traffic on Airport Road will be permanently rerouted to use the new bridges over Powers Boulevard
Map of travel patterns on Airport Road over Powers Boulevard beginning Feb. 25, 2026
This map shows the travel patterns on Airport Road over Powers Boulevard.

Southbound Powers Boulevard off-ramp to Airport Road

  • Southbound Powers Boulevard traffic headed to westbound Airport Road must exit at the new ramp. Making a right turn at the old Powers Boulevard and Airport Road intersection will not be possible
  • Southbound Powers Boulevard drivers headed to eastbound Airport Road are encouraged to use the new ramp. This is the most direct way to enter the west gate of Peterson Space Force Base. The existing single southbound left turn lane at Airport Road will remain open for now

Eastbound Airport Road to northbound Powers Boulevard

  • Eastbound Airport Road drivers headed to northbound Powers Boulevard will cross over Powers Boulevard on a new bridge and turn left to enter the new ramp
Map of new ramps opening at the Powers Boulevard and Airport Road DDI. The highlighted areas show the southbound Powers Boulevard off-ramp to Airport Road and the eastbound Airport Road ramp to northbound Powers Boulevard.
This map shows where new ramps are opening at the Powers Boulevard and Airport Road DDI.

Eastbound Airport Road to southbound Powers Boulevard

  • The existing Airport Road alignment between Troy Hill Road and Powers Boulevard will permanently close, requiring a temporary detour for eastbound Airport Road drivers turning right onto southbound Powers Boulevard
  • Eastbound drivers will cross over Powers Boulevard and turn right onto Airport Road to approach Powers Boulevard from the east. (This is the orange route on the map below)
  • The detour route is approximately one mile

Northbound Powers Boulevard to westbound Airport Road

  • The existing Airport Road alignment between Troy Hill Road and Powers Boulevard will permanently close, requiring a temporary detour for northbound Powers Boulevard drivers turning left onto westbound Airport Road
  • Northbound drivers will turn right instead of left at the existing traffic signal, follow Airport Road for approximately 1/4-mile, and turn left at the signal to cross over Powers Boulevard. (This is the dashed blue route on the map below)
  • The detour route is approximately one mile
Map of temporary detour routes required for eastbound Airport Road to southbound Powers Boulevard and northbound Powers Boulevard to westbound Airport Road.
This map shows temporary detour routes required for eastbound Airport Road to southbound Powers Boulevard and northbound Powers Boulevard to westbound Airport Road.

All other traffic movements not mentioned here remain the same.

*This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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!

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