Overnight closures and lane reductions are scheduled for South Academy Boulevard east of Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs during the week of October 26, 2025. These temporary measures will allow crews to work on bridge expansion joints and related improvements as part of an ongoing infrastructure project.
The southbound section of South Academy Boulevard between Milton Proby Parkway and the CanAm Highway (US 85/87) will be fully closed overnight on Wednesday, October 29, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. The following night, Thursday, October 30, the closure will shift to southbound South Academy Boulevard between the CanAm Highway (US 85/87) and I-25 for the same hours. On Friday, October 31, both north- and southbound lanes between the CanAm Highway (US 85/87) and I-25 will be closed overnight. Detour routes will be in place for all closures.
Ongoing lane reductions continue on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive through Sunday, October 26, as crews install new traffic signals and islands. Starting Monday, October 27 at 7 a.m., these lane reductions will expand to include both directions between I-25 and Coventry Drive until November 9.
The inside left turn lanes from Academy Boulevard onto I-25 are closed in both directions; one left turn lane remains open each way. Additional inside left lane closures affect access under I-25 for northbound traffic and entry onto southbound I-25 for southbound vehicles.
Motorists should anticipate delays during peak hours due to narrowed lanes and changing traffic patterns. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for travel, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, merge early near work zones, and follow posted detours when accessing I-25 southbound.
From Monday, October 27 through Friday, October 31 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), there will also be full closures of the southbound I-25 exit slip ramp and adjacent auxiliary lane at South Academy Boulevard for ditch work. Vehicles needing to turn west after exiting should continue straight about 200 feet before making a hard right at the intersection.
East- and westbound South Academy Boulevard is currently shifted toward the center between I-25 and Fountain Creek so crews can work on outside lanes; this configuration is expected to remain until November 2025. Lanes across the northbound bridge over US 85/87 are also narrowed while bridge work continues.
All scheduled closures depend on weather conditions.
These changes are part of the South Academy Boulevard Widening Project—a major effort managed by El Paso County—to expand approximately one-and-a-half miles of roadway from two lanes to three in each direction starting at the I-25 interchange through US Highway 85/87 up to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects with Powers Boulevard/CO21). The project includes upgrades such as improved drainage systems, lighting enhancements, expanded shoulders, new striping configurations, modified merge lanes, sound walls, and bridge improvements. Completion is targeted for early 2026.
According to officials: “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.”
The Military Access Mobility & Safety Improvement Program aims to improve mobility along key routes including I-25,Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard,and Charter Oak Ranch Road. This program supports economic stability by enhancing transport links among military installations such as Fort Carson,Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station,and Schriever Space Force Base. Funding includes an $18 million BUILD grant awarded by the US Department of Transportation.
For more information or updates regarding construction activities,visit CDOT’s project website or sign up for alerts by texting MAMSIP to 888‑970‑9665.
