The City of Colorado Springs will begin a median modification project on Garden of the Gods Road, just west of Interstate 25, starting Monday, October 13. The initiative aims to improve safety along this busy corridor.
Additional construction in November will address traffic signal improvements on Garden of the Gods Road east of I-25. The total construction period for both areas is expected to last between six and eight weeks.
During construction west of I-25, lanes adjacent to the medians from Chestnut Street to the I-25 interchange will be closed. The center lane in each direction may also be closed during daytime hours, which could reduce Garden of the Gods Road to one lane each way at times. Drivers are advised to expect short delays and to watch for safety signage and changing conditions.
The city outlined several impacts during construction:
– Motorists will not be able to cross all six lanes of traffic from north to south or vice versa within the construction area.
– No left turns will be allowed from either direction on Garden of the Gods Road within the construction zone.
– Business access will be limited to right-in, right-out movements only.
– Left turns from westbound Garden of the Gods Road at Chestnut Street will be limited to a single lane.
– The northbound I-25 exit ramp leading to westbound Garden of the Gods Road will be narrowed to one lane to help prevent traffic congestion at the intersection.
After construction is finished, longer medians will prevent vehicles from crossing all six lanes. Drivers will still be able to make left turns into most businesses from Garden of the Gods Road but will not be able to make left turns when exiting businesses. At Chestnut Street, two left-turn lanes will be available for westbound drivers.
The city said the changes are necessary due to a high number of accidents in this area. From 2015 through 2020, there were 47 reported crashes in the project area west of I-25, with 16 resulting in injuries. Many incidents occurred when motorists attempted to cross all six lanes or turn left out of businesses—maneuvers that will no longer be possible once the new medians are in place.
Funding for the $1.96 million project is provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation, with additional support from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority. More information about the project can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/GOGmedians.
