CDOT updates future plan for Powers, Research interchange in Colorado Springs
The Colorado Department of Transportation updated its plan Monday for an overpass to address traffic needs at the intersection of Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs.
According to CDOT, the plan now includes a diverging diamond traffic flow — similar to the flow currently in place at the Interstate 25 and Fillmore Street interchange.
CDOT said the diverging diamond configuration will handle more traffic, as well as improve traffic flow and safety.
Andy Stecklein, the project engineer and manager, said there’s another benefit to consider.
“In this case, one of the driving factors is safely moving pedestrians from one side of the freeway to the other,” he said. “The original design concept was the partial cloverleaf design which moves traffic just fine, but not people.”
But the diverging diamond has been unpopular with many local drivers who consider it confusing and ineffective. Only three are known to have been built in Colorado.
“Now that I’m used to it, I know how to kind of handle it,” said Amanda Schaefer, a Colorado Springs native. “But there are so many people who just randomly stop. It’s intimidating because you’re driving toward the wrong side of the road. Until you know what you’re doing, it’s very confusing.”
The project, including design and construction, will cost around $25 million, CDOT said, but the agency has yet to acquire the necessary funding. Much of CDOT’s recent funding for local projects went to the Interstate 25 “Gap” widening project between Monument and Castle Rock.
“We hope to have (funding) as soon as next year,” Stecklein said.
According to CDOT, the project’s design phase should be finished sometime this year. The construction schedule hasn’t been set.
Powers Boulevard also has overpasses at Woodmen Road, Platte Avenue, Briargate Parkway and Union Boulevard. An overpass stands over Powers at Old Ranch Road.
The original design for Powers called for overpasses at every major intersection.
“I think the build-out of Powers will happen eventually,” Stecklein said.
