Your Commute is About to Change: Major Roadwork Ahead in Colorado Springs
Get ready for some temporary traffic shifts, Colorado Springs residents! The week of December 21, 2025, brings lane closures on South Academy Boulevard as part of the ongoing Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project (MAMSIP). But here's where it gets interesting: this project isn't just about widening roads; it's about transforming a crucial corridor into a safer, more efficient artery for both civilians and military personnel.
What to Expect:
Lane Closures: Northbound and southbound lanes on South Academy Boulevard between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway will experience closures on Monday, December 22nd from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 23rd from 7 a.m. to noon. Don't worry, two lanes will remain open in each direction.
Holiday Break: Construction takes a pause from noon on December 23rd through January 4, 2026, to minimize holiday travel headaches.
Long-Term Vision: This project aims to widen a 1.5-mile stretch of South Academy Boulevard from two lanes to three in each direction, tackling chronic congestion. It also includes upgrades to drainage, lighting, striping, shoulders, merge lanes, sound walls, and bridges. Think of it as a complete makeover for a vital transportation link.
Safety First: CDOT's safety assessment revealed the need for these improvements to reduce crashes and save lives. And this is the part most people miss: over the next two decades, this project is projected to significantly decrease fatalities, injuries, and accidents along the MAMSIP corridors.
Beyond the Cone Zone: This project is about more than just smoother commutes. Funded in part by an $18 million BUILD grant, MAMSIP strengthens the connection between major military installations like Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and Schriever Space Force Base. It's about ensuring efficient movement for our military personnel and bolstering the region's economic stability.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe:
- Know Before You Go: Check out CDOT's resources for real-time traffic updates, weather forecasts, and construction alerts:
- Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/militaryaccesssafetyimprovements/overview
- Email: emailprotected
- Hotline: 719-800-2162
- Text Alerts: Text MAMSIP to 888-970-9665
- Download the COtrip Planner App: Available for iOS and Android, this app provides statewide traffic information at your fingertips.
Controversy Alert: While most agree on the need for improved infrastructure, some debate the environmental impact of widening roads. What are your thoughts? Do the safety and economic benefits outweigh potential environmental concerns? Let us know in the comments!
Remember: When you see those orange cones, slow down, stay alert, and be patient. We're all in this together, working towards a safer and more efficient transportation network for Colorado Springs.
