Cimarron Interchange Project moves forward, business owners hopeful

Drivers should expect even more closures as the Cimarron Interchange Project continues, starting Monday night.

The southbound shoulder of I-25 between Cimarron and Bijou will be closed, starting at 9 p.m.

Jim Hendershott, owner of Billy’s Pizza, is anticipating the completion of the project. “Right now, we have a problem with people getting in and out of this shopping center,” Hendershott explained.

But the small business owner hopes that will turn around once the new interchange is finished.

The $113 million dollar project will build the 50-year-old current bridge into a safer, more efficient gateway.

Despite heavy rain on Saturday night, Bob Wilson with the Colorado Department of Transportation says the project is going smoothly. It’s on track to be completed in 2017.

Hendershot says he believes improvements, including a new connection between 8th Street and Cimarron, will allow for easier access into the adjacent shopping center for business.

“I think in time it’s going to improve people coming into our shopping center and hopefully help us small business owner,” Hendershott added.