~ As the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project continues, drivers should be prepared for several traffic impacts near the intersection of South Academy Boulevard and Hancock Expressway starting on Monday, September 14. The project, which aims to improve safety, mobility, pedestrian access, and drainage along the corridor, is a voter-approved initiative by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.

According to project officials, there will be a series of traffic impacts in the coming weeks. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, September 14 until 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18, southbound South Academy Boulevard will be reduced to one lane near Hancock Expressway as crews work on excavating the roadway and installing storm sewer structures.

Following this closure, a segment of Hancock Expressway immediately west of South Academy Boulevard will be closed from 7 p.m. on Friday, September 18 until noon on Saturday, October 3. During this time, crews will be installing new storm sewer pipes and paving the roadway while also rebuilding the median and sidewalks. To ensure safety for both construction workers and drivers, the right lane of southbound South Academy Boulevard near Hancock Expressway will also be closed to provide space for construction equipment.

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Detour routes have been established for drivers during this closure. Those traveling north can use Astrozon Boulevard and South Academy Boulevard while those heading south can use Drennan Road and Astrozon Boulevard.

Additionally, from 7 p.m. on Friday October 2 until 5 p.m. on Saturday October 3, there will be additional lane closures along South Academy Boulevard between Hancock Expressway and Drennan Road as crews prepare for a new traffic pattern. This includes removing pavement markings and adding temporary markings before shifting northbound traffic into the inside center lanes and southbound traffic into the west outside lanes.

Throughout construction, access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open but travelers are advised to slow down and follow posted signs, as well as watch for workers and equipment. Alternate routes are also encouraged to help alleviate traffic in the area. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

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In addition to these traffic impacts, there will also be intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, temporary changes to pedestrian paths and bus stops, and construction activity near driveways. However, left turns will still be allowed where possible and business access will be maintained throughout the project.

To stay informed about the project, residents can visit the project webpage at ColoradoSprings.gov/AcademyBlvdImprovements or sign up for email updates by sending their email address to AcademyBlvdImprovements@gmail.com. They can also call the project hotline at 719-427-6422 for any questions or concerns.

This project marks the first major reconstruction of South Academy Boulevard since it opened in 1969 and is expected to greatly improve safety and accessibility along this busy corridor. Drivers are reminded to stay alert and patient during construction as crews work towards completing this important improvement project.

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