March 15, 2024- Due to weather impacts, the shift to a new temporary on-ramp for drivers traveling from US 85/87 to enter northbound South Academy Boulevard is now scheduled for Monday afternoon, March 18, as crews will perform work on roadway, drainage and utilities in the area. The ramp lane width will be reduced to 12 feet, and speeds will be reduced to 30 MPH. This closure will be in effect approximately 5-6 months.
On Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., there will be alternating northbound lane closures on South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek, along with traffic controlled by pacing vehicles, as crews place new striping, remove temporary barrier and prepare the roadway to re-open all lanes on the northbound and southbound bridges. Drivers should use caution through this area and prepare for reduced speeds during this work.
Also, northbound South Academy Boulevard will be temporarily closed south of US 85/87 on Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. to Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m, March 23 to allow crews to install drainage pipes across the roadway. A detour will be in place:
Northbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will exit to US 85/87, travel south and turn left onto Fontaine Boulevard, travel east and turn left onto Grinnell Boulevard, travel north and turn left onto Bradley Road, travel west and turn right onto the on-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard.
Motorists are advised to use caution at all entrance ramps as merge lengths have been shortened. In particular, motorists should be prepared to stop on the US 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy and the Bradley road on ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced. Work crews are installing signage and flashing beacons to alert traffic to the reduced merge lengths.
All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard will be shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.
A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work.
These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
- Monday afternoon, March 18 | Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from US 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approx. 5-6 months
- Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. to Saturday afternoon 3 p.m., March 23 | Full closure of northbound South Academy Boulevard at US 85/87 – detour in place
- Ongoing full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard bridge over Fountain Creek – detour in place
- Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road
- Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge
- Ongoing closure of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail under South Academy Boulevard
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
The improvements to South Academy Boulevard in this project are located on South Academy Boulevard at the southern mile and a half of this arterial road from the I-25 interchange, crossing US 85/87, and continuing to the road’s approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/CO 21). Construction focuses on widening an approximately 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction to alleviate recurring congestion. The project includes improved drainage facilities, lighting, striping, and expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. The project is expected to be complete by early 2026. This project is managed by El Paso County.
Project Contact Information
Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Email: I25CO94.mamsip@gmail.com
Hotline: 719-800-2162
Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665