Mobile traffic pacing operations are scheduled for north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway in Colorado Springs, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). These operations, managed by the Colorado Springs Police Department, will take place overnight on Sunday, October 19, and Monday, October 20, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. The work includes testing and inspection of new asphalt pavement. Brief intermittent ramp closures at various interchanges within the project work zone are also planned during these hours. Motorists are advised to watch for signage indicating closures or lane shifts and to expect delays.
Additionally, a right shoulder closure is planned for the southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from Coventry Drive to I-25 on Monday, October 20, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for electrical work near the roadway.
Ongoing lane reductions continue on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive for traffic signal and island installations. This alignment is expected to remain until October 27. There will also be a left lane closure on southbound South Academy Boulevard under I-25, with two through lanes remaining open, and 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.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time, maintain safe following distances, and merge early when approaching the work zone, especially during peak travel times. Those accessing I-25 southbound should move to the center lane in advance.
A shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek toward the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes. This configuration is expected to remain in place until November 2025. Motorists should use caution as lanes will be narrowed across the northbound bridge over US 85/87 for continued bridge work. All closures are weather-dependent and subject to change.
The South Academy Boulevard Widening Project covers improvements on the southern mile and a half of South Academy Boulevard from the I-25 interchange, crossing US Highway 85/87, and approaching Milton Proby Parkway. The project aims to widen approximately 1.5 miles of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to address recurring congestion. Additional improvements include upgraded drainage facilities, lighting, striping, expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls, and bridgework. Completion is expected by early 2026. El Paso County manages the project.
CDOT conducted a safety assessment of the corridor to evaluate safety issues and analyze crash causes. “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 (MAMSIP) is part of CDOT’s efforts to improve mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road. The program supports economic stability and development and is partially funded by an $18 million BUILD grant from the US Department of Transportation. These upgrades are intended to strengthen strategic movement between key military installations in El Paso County, including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.
More information about the project can be found at codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements.
For alerts about the project, individuals can text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665.
