Overnight closures and traffic changes are scheduled for South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs during the week of November 2, as part of ongoing construction related to the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP). The temporary closures will allow crews to work on bridge expansion joints and other infrastructure improvements.
The planned full closures will affect various sections of northbound and southbound South Academy Boulevard between the CanAm Highway (US 85/87), I-25, Bradley Road, and Milton Proby Parkway. Each closure is set from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., with detour routes in place. Depending on work progress, additional contingency nights may be needed later in the week.
Access to Fountain Creek Regional Trail north of South Academy Boulevard at Maxwell Street and Wilshire Drive will also be closed for about one week starting October 31 while crews remove and replace sidewalk. Cyclists and pedestrians can follow posted detour routes via Wilshire Drive, Welton Drive, Hartford Street, or use the pedestrian bridge over South Academy Boulevard.
On Sunday night, November 2, traffic on US 85/87 under the South Academy Boulevard bridge will shift into a head-to-head configuration in the northbound lanes so that bridge work can continue. Drivers are advised to obey speed limits and watch for crews in these areas.
Ongoing lane reductions continue along North- and Southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive through November 9 due to signal and island construction work. Inside left lane closures remain in place near I-25 both northbound under the interstate and southbound entering I-25.
A temporary full closure of the southbound I-25 exit slip ramp at South Academy Boulevard is planned for Wednesday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ditch work; drivers should follow posted instructions at that intersection.
Construction activities include shifting east- and westbound lanes between I-25 and Fountain Creek toward the center median to facilitate outside lane work; this alignment is expected through November 2025.
These scheduled closures are weather-dependent and subject to change based on conditions or progress.
According to project details provided by El Paso County officials, this phase focuses on widening about one-and-a-half miles of South Academy Boulevard—from two lanes up to three each way—to reduce congestion near major military installations including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base. The project also involves improved drainage systems, lighting upgrades, wider shoulders, new sound walls, modified merge lanes, striping enhancements, and bridgework. Completion is expected by early 2026.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) conducted a safety assessment along this corridor before construction began to address physical deficiencies contributing to crashes. Officials estimate that these improvements could lead to fewer accidents—including deaths or injuries—over the next two decades across all four MAMSIP corridors.
MAMSIP receives partial funding from an $18 million BUILD grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to CDOT officials the program aims to enhance mobility along key regional roads such as I-25, Colorado Highway 94, Charter Oak Ranch Road as well as South Academy Boulevard itself—all intended not only for public safety but also economic stability tied closely with military access requirements throughout El Paso County.
For more information or updates regarding road closures associated with this project:
Website: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 719-800-2162
Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
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