Plans To Ease Congestion On U.S. 24 West

The Colorado Department of Transportation is moving forward on plans to improve congestion along U.S. 24 West.

The plans encompass a four-mile stretch of the highway from I-25 to the Manitou exit.

The project is called “Envision 24 West.” David Watt, resident engineer and project manager for CDOT, said the recommendations were shaped by the community.

The U.S. 24 improvements include:

– Widening four miles of US 24 from I-25 westward to Ridge Road – Replacing nine bridges – Upgrading two intersections to interchanges – Improving the I-25/Cimarron interchange – Constructing cross streets with sidewalks – Improving the Midland Trail

Included in this list is building a bridge over 8th street so traffic along U.S. 24 would not have to stop at a light. “It would be similar to I-25 at Garden of the Gods and the intersection of Woodman and Academy,” explained Watt. But developers need more land to make it possible and CDOT is considering buying a property nearby with a vacant hotel.

The hotel has already gone through the foreclosure process and is privately owned.

A public hearing for the project is Monday, June 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Community Partnership for Child Development office at 2330 Robinson St. in Colorado Springs.

The public is invited to attend and provide comments. Displays will be set up for viewing and project team members will be available to answer questions.

A 45-day public comment period will begin following the hearing. Watt hopes to finalize the plans by the end of the summer.