A temporary full closure of southbound South Academy Boulevard between US 85/87 and Interstate 25 is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The closure, which includes on- and off-ramps to Coventry Drive, will allow crews to install overhead signage. A contingency night is also planned for Monday, Nov. 17 during the same hours.
Detours will be in place during the closure. Southbound traffic on South Academy Boulevard will be rerouted onto US 85/87, then northwest to B Street, south to Magrath Avenue, east back onto South Academy Boulevard. For drivers on US 85/87 seeking to enter southbound South Academy Boulevard, the detour will direct them south to Mesa Ridge Parkway, west onto northbound Interstate 25, north to exit 135 and then west onto South Academy.
In addition to these closures, alternating lane closures are expected in both directions of South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway from Sunday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 21 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., as crews continue work on signage and other roadway improvements. At least one thru lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout this period.
Drivers are advised to follow posted speed limits and watch for flaggers and construction equipment in the work zones.
The current construction is part of the ongoing South Academy Boulevard Widening Project managed by El Paso County. The project focuses on expanding a roughly 1.5-mile stretch of road from two lanes to three in each direction from the I-25 interchange across US 85/87 toward Milton E. Proby Parkway. Improvements include upgraded drainage systems, lighting enhancements, new striping and expanded shoulders along with modified merge lanes, sound walls and bridgework. Completion is expected by early 2026.
CDOT previously conducted a safety assessment for this corridor which found recurring congestion and identified physical deficiencies contributing to crashes in the area. The transportation upgrades underway are designed as mitigation measures intended to reduce accidents and improve infrastructure along this route over the next two decades.
The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP), which covers this project as well as improvements along I-25, Colorado Highway 94 and Charter Oak Ranch Road, aims at enhancing mobility and safety while supporting economic development near key military installations such as Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base. Funding includes an $18 million BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
For more information about MAMSIP projects or upcoming closures visit codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements or register for alerts by texting MAMSIP to 888-970-9665.
