The Colorado Department of Transportation will temporarily close east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard lanes under Interstate 25 and detour northbound I-25 using on- and off-ramps at South Academy Boulevard as part of the MAMSIP bridge reconstruction project. The pouring of a new concrete bridge deck over South Academy Boulevard is planned during nighttime hours on Friday, May 3. These closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Full closure of eastbound South Academy Boulevard

Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Full closure of westbound South Academy Boulevard

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.

Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps.

Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. - 9 a.m.

Detours will be in place:

Eastbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted south on I-25 to Colo. 16 (exit 132A), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 north to South Academy Boulevard.

Westbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will be diverted north on I-25 to Lake Avenue/South Circle Drive (exit 138), where they will turn around and re-enter I-25 south to South Academy Boulevard.

Northbound I-25 traffic will take the exit 135 off-ramp and re-enter the on-ramp to continue north.

The speed limit in this area has been reduced to 60 MPH. Traffic delays of 10-15 minutes are expected and motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling in the area. Fines will be doubled through the construction zone.

North- and southbound U.S. 85/87 will be reduced to one lane each direction under the South Academy bridge from Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 3 at 4:30 a.m. to allow crews to install drainage pipe across the roadway. Motorists are urged to use caution traveling through the area.

Also, on Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m., there will be north- and southbound U.S. 85/87 alternating lane closures under the South Academy Boulevard bridge to allow crews to place lane striping for a temporary new configuration which will consist of a single lane closure in both the north- and southbound directions to continue drainage work.

A shift to a temporary on-ramp for drivers entering northbound South Academy Boulevard from U.S. 85/87 is ongoing 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.

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. 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.

Traffic Impacts

I-25 between U.S. 85/Fountain (MP 127) and South Academy Boulevard (MP 135).

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Full closures of westbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.

Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Full closures of eastbound South Academy Boulevard at I-25. Use detour route.

Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. - 9 a.m.

Re-route traffic on northbound I-25 using South Academy Boulevard ramps.

South Academy Boulevard Widening Project

Monday, April 29, 9 a.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m.

North- and southbound U.S. 85/87 reduced to one lane in each direction under South Academy Boulevard.

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m. through Friday, May 3, 4:30 a.m.

North- and southbound U.S. 85/87 alternating lane closures under South Academy Boulevard.

Ongoing full closure of existing northbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp from U.S. 85/87 and shift to temporary on-ramp, in place for approx. 5-6 months.

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

Interstate-25 - Safety and Efficiency Improvements

The improvements to I-25 addressed in this project are located along an approximately 7.5-mile segment of south I-25 beginning at South Academy Boulevard and extending to the Santa Fe Avenue (U.S. 85/87) exit at Fountain (MP 128), which exits to Gate 19 of Fort Carson. The project includes:

Replacement of two bridges crossing over South Academy Boulevard.

Widening of both inside and outside shoulders and installing safety improvements.

Concrete surface treatment overlay to provide an improved riding surface.

Installation of median barrier.

Rehab and widening work on four bridges.

Installation of an I-25 southbound deceleration lane at the interchange with Colo. 16.

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 U.S. 85/87, and continuing to the road's approach to Milton Proby Parkway (which connects to Powers Boulevard/Colo. 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 20 years, the project is estimated to result in fewer deaths, injuries and crashes on the four MAMSIP corridors.