New I-25 auxiliary lanes improve safety and traffic flow in Colorado Springs

New I-25 auxiliary lanes improve safety and traffic flow in Colorado Springs Sept. 29, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - CDOT celebrates major milestone as new auxiliary lanes open alongside MAMSIP improvements, and Powers Boulevard and Airport Road Interchange https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/september-2026-news/coloradosprings-i25-auxiliary-lanes-complete https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png

News Release

Sept. 29, 2026 - Southeastern Colorado - CDOT celebrates major milestone as new auxiliary lanes open alongside MAMSIP improvements, and Powers Boulevard and Airport Road Interchange

Colorado Springs - The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contract partner, SEMA Construction, have substantially completed improvements along Interstate 25 between Fillmore Street and Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs. Earlier today, CDOT celebrated the project's progress, along with the Powers Boulevard (Colorado Highway 21) and Airport Road Diverging Diamond Interchange Project, and the collection of projects known as MAMSIP (Military Access, Mobility and Safety Improvement Project), with a ribbon cutting.

"What we've delivered in this region through the CDOT 10-Year Plan and what we continue to deliver, is a story of people coming together from across different levels of government," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "This celebration shows progress and is really an endorsement for the collaborative partnership that has happened here in El Paso County."

As part of CDOT's 10-Year Plan, this project added continuous acceleration and deceleration lanes in both directions of I-25, improving traffic flow and providing motorists with additional space to safely merge onto and exit the interstate. CDOT's 10-Year Plan is Colorado's roadmap for prioritizing and investing in critical transportation projects across the state over the next decade.

"In 2019, CDOT launched an ambitious initiative to establish long-term transportation priorities culminating in the adoption of the 10-year strategic plan in 2020," said District 9 Colorado Transportation Commissioner Hannah Parsons. "It's a privilege for me as a Colorado Transportation Commissioner to see the completion of these vital projects."

In addition to the added lanes, the project included resurfacing I-25, curve slope adjustments to improve roadway drainage, the addition of concrete median barrier, and several safety-critical bridge improvements, including the reconstruction and widening of the I-25 bridges over Ellston Street and repairs to the bridge deck on the Garden of the Gods Road overpass.

The intelligent transportation system infrastructure was upgraded, including fiber optics and ramp-metering equipment. These improvements allow traffic conditions to be monitored and help adjust ramp-meter timing to better manage traffic flow and reduce backups.

"An important part of CDOT's 10-year Plan, this project addresses several important needs along this section of I-25," said Region Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. "The new auxiliary lanes will help improve traffic flow and give drivers more space to safely merge and exit, while the bridge, roadway and technology improvements will support the long-term safety and reliability of this corridor."
Construction began in October 2023 and will be completed in October.

The 10-Year Plan Strategic Project Pipeline, or "10-Year Plan", is Colorado's roadmap for prioritizing and investing in critical transportation projects across the state over the next decade. This 10-Year Plan is a targeted subset of CDOT's broader Statewide Transportation Plan, Your Transportation Plan, translating long-term vision into a clear, action-oriented investment strategy.

New auxiliary lanes on Interstate 25 between Fillmore Street and Garden of the Gods Road. City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Peterson Space Force Base, FHWA and CDOT officials at the CDOT Ribbon Cutting celebrating the completion of three major Colorado Springs area projects.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!