Pro Cycling Challenge traffic impacts

As the USA Pro Cycling Challenge makes its way to Colorado Springs, drivers are advised to be aware of traffic impacts.

Stage 5 of the race takes the cyclists from Breckenridge to Colorado Springs on Friday.

Riders will head eastbound on US 24 from Hartsel to Woodland Park between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Vehicles headed eastbound at that time must follow the entire race caravan at speeds of 20-25 mph and will not be permitted to pass it. Delays will vary depending on the pace of the riders. Westbound drivers can expect 30 to 60 minute delays at various locations along the race route and possible detours.

Between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., riders will continue their journey eastbound on US 24 from Woodland Park to Colorado Springs. Eastbound vehicles again must follow behind the race caravan at 20-25 mph and will not be permitted to pass it. Westbound vehicles can expect 30 to 60 minute delays at various locations along the race route and in Woodland Park.

The City of Colorado Springs will have various road closures and parking restrictions beginning Thursday.

Tejon St. will be closed between Colorado Ave. and Kiowa St. and between Kiowa St. and Bijou St. starting 9:00 a.m. Thursday until midnight Friday. Pikes Peak Ave. will be closed between Cascade Ave. and Nevada Ave. from 9:00 a.m. Thursday until midnight Friday.

The following closures go into effect on Friday in Colorado Springs:

~Tejon St. Between Platte Ave. and Colorado Ave. 9:00 a.m. – midnight

~Cascade Ave. Northbound completely closed (Between Uintah St. and Colorado Ave.) 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Southbound completely closed (Between Uintah St. and Colorado Ave.) 2:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

~Bijou St. Between Cascade and Tejon St. 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

~Colorado Ave. Between Walnut St. and Tejon St 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

~Garden of the Gods 30th St. (Closed to motorized traffic) 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

~Old Colorado City Short Duration Closures when race arrives. Cross traffic allowed until race arrives. 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m

~Race Circuit Tejon/Cascade on the east/west and Cache La Poudre/Colorado on the north/south 2:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

The following parking restrictions will also be in effect:

Thursday, August 23:
~Parking Lot At Pikes Peak Ave. and Cascade Ave. Closed 2:00 a.m 8/23 – midnight 8/24.

Friday, August 24:
~30th St. Between Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center and Colorado Ave. No Parking 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

~Colorado Ave. Between 30th St. and Cascade Ave. No Parking 1:00 p.m – 4:30 p.m.

For more information on Stage 5 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, visit www.ridestage5.com.