Drivers are using their own detours to get around major construction in Pueblo

Drivers in Pueblo are using their own shortcuts to get around major construction in the city. Pueblo police say that’s illegal.

The city of Pueblo is installing new pipes for sewer and stormwater. Work should be done by Monday at 5 a.m.

The $2.5 million project will close Prairie and Thatcher avenues.

Police Sgt. Howard Jackson said the barriers are put up for construction workers’ safety.

William Caldwell, who works at the gas station near the intersection, said people have been driving through the gas station since construction began. He said it can be unsafe working outside.

“I have to keep my eyes open for sure. I mean it’s definitely stop and go every two and a half feet. Every two minutes, someone is almost hitting me,” he said.

Pam Hernandez drives through the intersection almost every day. She said the construction is an inconvenience.

“I can’t get through here. I had to take too many detours to get here. It was not very pretty to get through here,” she said.

Pueblo police said they haven’t issued any citations yet. Starting Sunday, officers will be out in full force to make people aren’t driving through private businesses to avoid the barriers.If you are caught, you will face an $85 fine.

There will be two detours that will reroute traffic because of the closed intersections.

A detour at West Abriendo Avenue will send westbound traffic to Cleveland Street, west to Goodnight Avenue then north on Newman Avenue to end the detour on Thatcher Avenue. The eastbound traffic will can travel in the opposite direction. The second detour will be along St. Clair Avenue.

All businesses, including the Sunset Tavern, Western Gas Station, Pueblo PC and Mac, and Colorado Performance, will remain open during the intersection closure. Signs will be placed at the detours to help remind the people that the businesses are still open.