Hancock Expressway segment closes Sept. 18-Oct. 3 for construction

Drivers should prepare for several traffic impacts near South Academy Boulevard and Hancock Expressway beginning Monday, Sept. 14, as crews continue storm sewer and roadway work for the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project.

Upcoming traffic impacts include:

• 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14 through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18: Southbound South Academy Boulevard will be reduced to one lane near Hancock Expressway while crews excavate the roadway and install storm sewer structures.
• 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 through noon Saturday, Oct. 3: A segment of Hancock Expressway immediately west of South Academy Boulevard will close. Crews will install new storm sewer pipes, pave the roadway and rebuild the median and sidewalks. The right lane of southbound South Academy Boulevard will also close near Hancock Expressway to provide space for construction equipment and help keep crews and drivers safe.

Detour routes during the Hancock Expressway closure:

• North detour: Use Astrozon Boulevard and South Academy Boulevard.
• South detour: Use South Academy Boulevard, Drennan Road and Astrozon Boulevard
• 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 through 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3: Additional South Academy Boulevard lane closures will take place between Hancock Expressway and Drennan Road as crews prepare for a new traffic pattern. Crews will remove pavement markings, add temporary markings and move safety barriers. When the work is complete, northbound and southbound traffic will shift west. Northbound traffic will move into the inside center lanes, while southbound traffic will move into the west outside lanes.

Access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open during construction. Travelers should slow down, follow posted signs, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

What to expect during construction:

• Intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Temporary changes to pedestrian paths and bus stops
• Relocated bus stops; visit MMTransit.com for details
• Construction activity near driveways
• Left turns allowed where possible
• Business access maintained throughout construction
• On-street message boards with traffic updates

This work is part of the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project, a voter-approved Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority project to improve safety, mobility, pedestrian access and drainage along the corridor. This is the first major reconstruction of South Academy Boulevard since it opened in 1969.

Stay informed

• Project webpage: ColoradoSprings.gov/AcademyBlvdImprovements
• Email updates: Send your email address to [email protected]
• Project hotline: 719-427-6422