Extra cars on the road for AFA graduation week

The Colorado State Patrol is warning of extra traffic on I-25 in northern El Paso County surrounding Thursday’s graduation at the Air Force Academy.

Troopers say that on graduation day (May 28), drivers can expect areas of heavy congestion, sudden stops and possible no notice closures on both directions of I-25 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Traffic is expected to be worst between the N. Academy Blvd. exit and Monument.

Unusually heavy traffic is also expected on N. Academy Blvd., Briargate Rd., Interquest Pkwy., Northgate Rd. and Baptist Rd.

The Air Force Thunderbirds will perform during the graduation ceremony sometime between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. State Patrol says it is illegal to stop or park anywhere on I-25 to watch the flyover and that you should plan ahead to watch from a safe, legal place away from the interstate and other major thoroughfares.