Overnight lane reductions are scheduled for South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs as part of ongoing improvement efforts. On Wednesday, December 17, from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., both northbound and southbound lanes between Fountain Creek and Bradley Road will be reduced to one lane each direction while crews apply sealant to bridge expansion joints. If weather causes delays, work may continue on Thursday, December 18 during the same hours.
From Monday, December 15 through Friday, December 19, various lane closures will also occur on South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. These closures are necessary for signage installation and remaining roadway, traffic signal, and lighting work. Two lanes of traffic will remain open in both directions throughout this period. Drivers are advised to obey posted speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and remain alert for crews and equipment in the area.
The current construction is part of the South Academy Boulevard Widening Project. This project focuses on expanding a 1.5-mile section of South Academy Boulevard—from the I-25 interchange across US 85/87 toward Milton E. Proby Parkway—from two lanes to three in each direction to reduce recurring congestion. Additional improvements include upgraded drainage facilities, lighting, striping, expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls, and bridgework. The project is managed by El Paso County and is expected to be completed by early 2026.
A safety assessment conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) identified safety issues along the corridor that contribute to crashes. The planned transportation improvements aim to address these deficiencies and reduce accidents over the next two decades.
According to CDOT: “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.”
The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP), which includes this project along with upgrades on I-25, Colorado Highway 94, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, aims to enhance mobility and safety while supporting economic development in El Paso County. Funding for MAMSIP includes an $18 million BUILD grant from the US Department of Transportation.
The program is designed to improve movement between key military installations such as Fort Carson; Peterson Space Force Base; Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station; and Schriever Space Force Base.
For more information about this project or updates on closures visit https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements or text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665 for alerts.
