The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that planned closures of Interstate 25 between South Academy Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue, previously scheduled for the nights of September 29 and 30, have been canceled. The highway will remain open in both directions during these times.
Ongoing lane reductions continue on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive to allow crews to install traffic signals and islands. This configuration is expected to last through October 12. Additionally, the two left turn lanes for the southbound I-25 on-ramp at Mile Post 135 are reduced to one, though two through lanes remain available on South Academy Boulevard in this area.
Motorists are advised to expect delays, especially during peak travel periods. Drivers should plan ahead, maintain safe distances, and merge early when approaching work zones. Those accessing I-25 southbound are encouraged to move into the center lane well before reaching the ramp.
Starting Monday, September 29, the pedestrian bridge over South Academy Boulevard near Wilshire and Welton will close for about a week while sidewalk replacement occurs on its north side. Detours using Wilshire Drive, Welton Drive via Hartford Street, or the Fountain Creek Regional Trail will be available for pedestrians and cyclists.
East- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek continues to be shifted toward the center so crews can work on outside lanes—a setup anticipated to last until November 2025. Lanes across the southbound bridge over US Highway 85/87 are also narrowed as bridgework progresses.
These construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change.
The improvements along South Academy Boulevard cover approximately a mile-and-a-half stretch from I-25 past US Highway 85/87 toward Milton Proby Parkway. The project aims to widen this section from two lanes to three in each direction in order to reduce congestion. Other upgrades include improved drainage systems, lighting enhancements, expanded shoulders, new striping, modified merge lanes, sound walls, and bridge repairs. El Paso County manages this project with completion targeted for early 2026.
A safety assessment conducted by CDOT identified infrastructure deficiencies contributing to crashes along this corridor. The current transportation improvements aim to address these issues by reducing accidents and improving overall safety conditions over the next two decades.
The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program is supported by an $18 million BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to CDOT: “The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base.”
Further information about ongoing projects can be found at codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements.
