February 16, 2024 – On Tuesday night, Feb. 20 and Wednesday night, Feb. 21 there will be alternating left and right lane closures on east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek between US 85/87 and I-25 as crews modify detour crossover lanes to divert traffic to the westbound bridge after conducting a scour bridge investigation and installing countermeasures.
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 21, two westbound lanes on South Academy Boulevard will be open, along with a single eastbound lane using the westbound South Academy bridge over Fountain Creek. Speeds across the detour cross over lanes and across the bridge will remain reduced to 35 MPH. Bridge lanes will be 11 feet wide with a 2-foot shoulder. Oversize loads will not be allowed on the bridge during this closure.
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 since merge area has been greatly reduced. Work crews are installing signage and flashing beacons to alert traffic to the new lane lengths.
The temporary full closure of the northbound South Academy Boulevard off-ramp to US 85/87 planned for Friday, Feb. 16 has been rescheduled due to weather impacts. The closure is now scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m., to allow crews to perform drainage work across the roadway.
Full closure of US 85/87 on-ramp from northbound South Academy Boulevard:
- Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
A detour will be in place:
- Traffic intending to exit to US 85/87 from northbound South Academy Boulevard will continue north, turn right to exit onto Bradley Road, turn right and travel under the South Academy bridge, turn onto the entrance to southbound South Academy, and continue south to the US 85/87 exit.
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.
Traffic Impacts
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
- Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. and Wednesday night, Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
- Alternating left and right lane closures of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek
- Wednesday, Feb. 21, ongoing full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard bridge over Fountain Creek – detour in place
- Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
- Full closure of US 85/87 on-ramp from northbound South Academy Boulevard
- 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
Project Overview
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.
Safety Benefits
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 twenty years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries, and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.
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