Overnight lane reductions are scheduled for South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs as part of ongoing construction efforts to improve the corridor. On Wednesday, December 17, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., both northbound and southbound lanes between Fountain Creek and Bradley Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction while crews apply sealant to bridge expansion joints. If weather conditions interfere, the work will move to Thursday, December 18, during the same hours.
In addition, various lane closures on South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway are planned from Monday, December 15 through Friday, December 19, between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. These closures will allow for signage installation and completion of roadway, traffic signal, and lighting work. Two lanes of traffic will remain open in both directions throughout this period. Drivers are advised to follow posted speed limits and stay alert for workers.
The improvements are part of the South Academy Boulevard Widening Project managed by El Paso County. The project covers about one and a half miles from the I-25 interchange across US 85/87 toward Milton E. Proby Parkway (which connects with Powers Boulevard/CO 21). The main focus is expanding South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to help reduce congestion that frequently occurs along this stretch.
Other upgrades include enhanced drainage systems, better lighting and striping, wider shoulders, modified merge lanes, new sound walls, and bridge repairs. Completion is expected by early 2026.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), a safety assessment was conducted for this corridor to identify causes of crashes and physical deficiencies contributing to accidents. CDOT stated 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 two decades, officials estimate these changes will lead to fewer deaths and injuries along four major corridors included in the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP).
CDOT has launched this program with partial funding from an $18 million BUILD grant awarded by the US Department of Transportation. The initiative aims at improving mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road—routes critical for connecting El Paso County’s military installations such as Fort Carson and several Space Force bases—and supporting regional economic stability.
More information about the project can be found at codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements.
For further updates or questions regarding construction activities or road closures related to MAMSIP projects:
– Email: [email protected]
– Hotline: 719-800-2162
– Register for alerts by texting MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
