Major milestone met in Colorado Springs west side transformation project

The bridge over Fountain Creek on Manitou and W. Colorado is finally opening up to drivers Friday, October 19th. The much anticipated New Adams Crossing Bridge will hopefully make things much smoother for drivers.

The new expansion will be higher in order to accommodate drivers during large flood events and add the additional room to the Midland Trail. It will also help straighten Manitou and W. Colorado Avenue to make it safer to drive.

Later this Spring, a ribbon cutting for the entire project called the Westside Avenue Plan (WAAP) will take place.

This $35-million project has been underway since January 2017. Major portions of the project are expected to open this December, with a final completion by Spring 2018. The WAAP will include a major transformation on the west side of Colorado Springs along Manitou/W. Colorado Avenue.

The city has a few project reminders during this time. First, they remind residents of temporary gravel pedestrian paths on Manitou Avenue. The sidewalks on the north side of the bridge will temporarily be closed for the preparation of the underground electric and communication facilities.

In addition, a temporary gravel area will be behind the curb on the south side of Manitou Avenue between the Loaf n’ Jug and Santa Fe Motel that is open to pedestrians.

While the remainder of projects continue, business access in the construction zone will be maintained and controlled by road workers.

It’s important to keep in mind that Ridge Road is also permanently closed between W. Pikes Peak Avenue and W. Colorado Avenue. A permanent pedestrian and bike lane will be constructed in Spring 2019.

To get updates about the project, you can sign up for periodic updates through the email address MSprings@PublicInfoTeam.com or visit the following website.

The El Paso County Public Information Office has also posted a video to their official Facebook in order to learn more about the project. You can find that video here.