Plan ahead: single-lane closure taking place through I-25 gap
If you are heading north through the gap project on Interstate 25 Monday evening, then you might want to allow yourself some extra time. Starting around 6 p.m., crews are requiring a 12-hour overnight single left lane closure and a full off-ramp closure from mile marker 166 to 167.5.
The $350 million gap project continues to be a headache for many commuters.
Robert Pemberton, who commutes through the gap project five days a week said, “You know, there is a lot of problems with the gap project but I think the quality of the roads are terrible.”
Jae Shin, who also makes the commute, added, “It’s a pain, it really is. Nothing is more disheartening when you’re driving back at night and there really shouldn’t be traffic there and you’re getting stuck all the time.”
Colorado Department of Transportation is continuing its improvement of the 18-mile stretch between Monument and Castle Rock by widening the highway. Now, during peak rush hour, a single lane closure will take place between mile marker 166 and 167.5. The closure is due to the construction of new pavement which will help maintain two travel lanes in both directions of I-25.
Alyssa Roach said, “it’s bad with two lanes, let alone one.”
But Shin says it’s something you just have to accept. “That’s a fact of life, it’s just something you live with down here in Monument,” Shin said.
Because of the single lane closure, some drivers are considering taking a different route like Highway 83.
Pemberton said, “I can imagine that no one is going to want to drive on that road. You’re going to have to end up taking some of the back roads out of here. I’m sure the Larkspur residents are going to love that but it’s going to be terrible, it’s going to be Carmageddon for everyone.”
“How do you get home, you know?” Shin said. “I guess you have to prepare, I appreciate the heads up on that, so I’m sure there are alternative routes that you’re going to have to explore.”
When completed, the 18-mile stretch will consist of widened shoulders, new bridges, new wildlife crossings, resurfacing with new pavement and newer and more modern technology.
The road will fully open back up at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, but CDOT says you can expect a series of longer duration closures like this in the coming months.
