El Paso County, Colorado, December 5, 2023 – On Wednesday, December 6, starting at 9 a.m. there will be alternating left and right lane closures on eastbound South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek between US 85 and I-25 as crews place temporary barrier and stripe the new detour crossover lanes.
Starting at 4 p.m., two eastbound lanes on South Academy Boulevard will reopen, with a single westbound lane reopening later in the evening. Speeds across the detour cross over lanes and across the bridge will be reduced to 35 MPH. Bridge lanes will be 11 feet wide with a 2-foot shoulder.
The following detours will be in place until Wednesday evening:
- Traffic needing to use westbound South Academy Boulevard from US 85 use CO 16 or I-25 south of US 85 to continue on northbound I-25 to access westbound South Academy Boulevard west of I-25.
- Traffic needing to access the Stratmoor Valley neighborhood should use northbound I-25 and exit South Academy Boulevard, continue east and exit at Hartford Street to enter the neighborhood.
A left lane closure is ongoing for northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road to allow crews to perform bridge work. This left lane closure will be in place for approximately three months.
There will also be an ongoing auxiliary lane closure on northbound South Academy Boulevard between Hartford Street and Fountain Creek through mid-December for drainage line work.
These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.
Traffic Impacts
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
- Temporary full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek on Wednesday, Dec. 6, until evening hours
- Alternating lane closures on eastbound South Academy Boulevard over Fountain Creek on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Ongoing northbound and southbound left lane closure at South Academy Boulevard over Bradley Road, in place for approximately five months
- Ongoing northbound auxiliary lane closure on South Academy Boulevard between Hartford Street and Fountain Creek. This auxiliary lane will be closed through mid-December
- Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road to north side (Sunday and Monday) and south side (Tuesday and ongoing) of the roadway 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.
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