December 23, 2024 – A shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek towards the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes, install drainage pipes, and prepare to construct a noise barrier. This alignment will be in place approximately until spring 2025.
Motorists are also advised that the shift of the northbound I-25 off-ramp to northbound South Academy Boulevard to a new alignment is ongoing and will have a short acceleration lane.
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 U.S. 85/87 on-ramp to eastbound South Academy and the Bradley Road on-ramp to eastbound South Academy since merge area is greatly reduced.
All lanes of Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard are shifted to the center of the roadway ongoing to allow crews to perform work on new bridge piers.
These closures are weather dependent and subject to change.
To help minimize potential traffic delays, El Paso County is suspending work from midday Tuesday until January, 6 2025. The only exception is for emergency operations.
Traffic Impacts
I-25 between U.S. 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135)
- Southbound I-25 off-ramp and right lane closure at Mesa Ridge Parkway (MP 132A), Sunday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Southbound I-25 on-ramp and right lane closure at Mesa Ridge Parkway, Sunday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Southbound I-25 off-ramp right lane closure at Santa Fe Avenue, Sunday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Northbound I-25 off-ramp right lane closure at Mesa Ridge Parkway, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
South Academy Boulevard Widening Project
- Ongoing shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek to middle until spring 2025.
- Ongoing full closure of existing north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramps from U.S. 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place until fall 2024.
- Ongoing shift of all lanes on Bradley Road under South Academy Boulevard bridge.
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