Traffic signal installation project slated to begin on US Highway 24

Project Announcement

Nov. 13, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - Upgrades to take place at Stapleton Road and Academy Park Loop intersections in Colorado Springs

El Paso County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contract partner, Sturgeon Electric, will install new traffic signals on US Highway 24 at the Stapleton Road and Academy Park Loop intersections in Colorado Springs. Crews began utility potholing in September and will resume construction on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The project also includes fiber optic installations between Judge Orr Road and Stapleton Road to provide needed connectivity for critical infrastructure in the growing area. Crews will also upgrade concrete curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and build trail connections to offer safe and reliable transportation options for multimodal users.

After performing traffic studies at both intersections, CDOT determined that new signal installations would improve the safety of the traveling public and better assist the flow of traffic in each direction.

In November, the project team will start drilling caissons for the new traffic signals, upgrading concrete curb ramps and installing fiber optic at the US 24 and Stapleton Road intersection. Crews will then transition to the Academy Park Loop intersection. This work is expected to continue to the end of December.

Construction will then resume Feb. 2027 when the team returns to install the signal mast arms, perform striping operations and implement new signage. The $1.89 million project is anticipated to be complete by April 2027 pending any weather-related delays.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Nov. 18, motorists will encounter road work at the intersection of US 24 and Stapleton Road. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Working hours will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some nighttime work is expected in 2027 to install signal mast arms.
  • Motorists can expect single-lane closures and turn-pocket closures at both the Academy Park Loop and Stapleton Road intersections.
  • Lane closures will be implemented during off-peak travel times from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • At least one through-lane of travel will remain open in all directions.
  • Pedestrians can expect some sidewalk and crosswalk closures with detour routes at the Academy Park Loop intersection. Please follow all on-site signage to navigate around active work areas.
  • Speeds will be reduced to 45 mph at the Stapleton Road work zone.
  • Bus routes will remain unaffected by the project.
  • While significant delays are not anticipated due to the upcoming construction, motorists are encouraged to account for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time.
Map of project work locations on US 24, one at Academy Park Loop and the other at Stapleton Road.
Map of project work locations on US 24, one at Academy Park Loop and the other at Stapleton Road.

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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