South Academy Boulevard closures planned for upcoming waterline work

South Academy Boulevard will experience two weekend closures and a weekday lane reduction in mid-to-late August as crews continue underground utility work for the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project.

All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change. Access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open throughout construction.

Weekend closure: Aug. 14-17

South Academy Boulevard between Astrozon Boulevard and Chelton Road will close from 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, through noon Monday, Aug. 17 for underground waterline installation, paving and striping.

Detours:

Northbound South Academy Boulevard: East on Hancock Expressway, north on Jet Wing Drive, west on Chelton Road, then return to South Academy Boulevard.

Southbound South Academy Boulevard: West on Chelton Road, south on Delta Drive, east on Hancock Expressway, then return to South Academy Boulevard.

Weekend closure: Aug. 21-24

South Academy Boulevard between Hancock Expressway and Astrozon Boulevard will close from 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, through noon Monday, Aug. 24 for underground waterline installation, paving and striping.

Detours:

• Northbound South Academy Boulevard: West on Hancock Expressway, north on Astrozon Boulevard, then return to South Academy Boulevard.
• Southbound South Academy Boulevard: West on Astrozon Boulevard, east on Hancock Expressway, then return to South Academy Boulevard.

Lane reduction: Aug. 24-28

Beginning noon on Monday, Aug. 24, northbound South Academy Boulevard will be reduced to one lane between Astrozon Boulevard and Chelton Road through noon Friday, Aug. 28 for continued waterline work.

Ongoing traffic impacts

Travelers should also be aware that the ramps connecting Hancock Expressway and South Academy Boulevard remain closed during construction. Drivers should use the signalized intersection to make right turns and plan for minor delays.

What to expect during construction

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

Travelers should slow down, follow posted signs, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time. Alternate routes are encouraged when possible.

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.

For more information about the project, including how to sign up for text alerts and receive project updates, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/AcademyBlvdImprovements, call the project hotline at 719-427-6422, email [email protected], or text SABImpacts to 844-289-1002.