Overnight closures are scheduled for northbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Milton Proby Parkway on Sunday, September 14, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., to complete asphalt paving work. If needed, additional closures may occur on Monday, September 15, and Tuesday, September 16. A detour will guide northbound drivers through US 85/87 south to Fontaine Boulevard, then north onto Grinnell Boulevard, west onto Bradley Road, north onto Hancock Expressway, and west onto Milton Proby Parkway before rejoining South Academy.
Ongoing lane reductions on both directions of South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Coventry Drive began on September 8 and will continue through September 2025. These reductions allow crews to install traffic signals and islands while maintaining safety during construction. In this area, the two left turn lanes for the Interstate 25 northbound on-ramp (135 ramp) have been reduced to one left turn lane; some auxiliary lanes and shoulders are also affected. However, two thru lanes remain open in each direction.
Motorists should expect delays during peak travel times and are encouraged to allow extra time for their trips. Drivers planning to access I-25 northbound are advised to move into the center lane early.
A shift moving east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard toward the center between I-25 and Fountain Creek is ongoing so that crews can work on outside lanes; this configuration is expected until September 2025.
Lane narrowing continues across the southbound bridge over US 85/87 as bridgework progresses. The alignment of the northbound I-25 off-ramp to Northbound South Academy has changed with a shorter acceleration lane in place. All entrance ramps have shortened merge lengths; a new on-ramp connects US 85/87 onto South Academy Boulevard.
All planned closures depend on weather conditions.
The South Academy Boulevard Widening Project involves expanding approximately a mile-and-a-half section of the road from two lanes to three in each direction starting at the I-25 interchange and extending past US Highway 85/87 up to Milton Proby Parkway. Construction includes improvements such as drainage facilities, lighting upgrades, expanded shoulders, modified merge lanes, sound walls, striping enhancements, and bridgework. El Paso County manages this project with an anticipated completion by early 2026.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) conducted a safety assessment along this corridor as part of its Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP). The assessment aimed at understanding crash causes led to mitigation measures intended to reduce accidents by addressing infrastructure deficiencies. Over two decades following these improvements across four MAMSIP corridors—including I-25—officials estimate reductions in deaths, injuries, and crashes.
This program is partly funded by an $18 million BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (https://www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants). CDOT’s efforts seek not only safer travel but also improved mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road (https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements). These projects support economic stability by enhancing transportation links serving major military installations including Fort Carson and multiple Space Force bases in El Paso County.
For updates or more information about these projects:
Website: codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 719-800-2162
Register for Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
