South Academy Boulevard closes for weekend waterline work

South Academy Boulevard, between Hancock Expressway and Astrozon Boulevard, will temporarily close from at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, through noon Monday, July 20. The closure allows crews to install underground waterlines, pave the roadway and install new striping.

Detours during full weekend closure:

• 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 and continue south, east on Hancock Expressway, then return to South Academy Boulevard

At 1 p.m. on Monday, July 20, the westbound lanes and eastbound turn lane at the west side of Astrozon Boulevard and South Academy Boulevard intersection will close for approximately three weeks. Detours during this closure:

• Northbound South Academy Boulevard: West on Hancock Expressway, then north on Astrozon Boulevard
• Southbound South Academy Boulevard: West on Hancock Expressway, then north on Astrozon Boulevard
• Westbound Astrozon Boulevard: South on South Academy Boulevard, west on Hancock Expressway, then north on Astrozon Boulevard
• Access to Gateway Village and Hancock Plaza shopping centers via southbound South Academy Boulevard driveways will remain open

Access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open. Travelers should slow down, follow posted signs, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time. Alternate routes are encouraged when possible. This schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.

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 are in effect. Please visit MMTransit.com for details
• Construction activity near driveways
• Left turns allowed where possible
• Business access will be maintained throughout construction.
• On-street variable message boards providing 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.

For more information about the project, including how to sign up for text alerts and receive project updates, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/AcademyBlvdImprovements.