US 24 West to receive facelift, single lane closures expected

Delays are expected on Hwy 24 west of Colorado Springs due to CDOT’s pothole repaving project.

Starting Tuesday night the stretch of construction will run from 8th Street to west of Manitou Springs with the bulk of the work being done overnight from 8 pm until 5 am.

It’s a project 15 years in the making. The last time US 24 West was repaved was back in 2004.

David Adair who drives on Hwy 24 quite often said, “it’s in pretty bad shape.”

While Astrid Brynestad agreed saying, “Oh yeah, it has to be done it’s one of those things that has to be done.”

The resurfacing project will provide motorists with a smoother road surface improving safety by eliminating ruts and road damage. Residents KRDO to spoke to in the area said the project is past due.

“Safety reason, continued deterioration, it’s bad on our cars suspensions, it’s got to be done,” Adair said.

However, not everyone agreed. Judy Browne who lives in Manitou Springs said now is not the right time to start the project.

“Why in the middle of tourist season? I mean we have Manitou Ave. That’s not finished yet, I live in Manitou Springs, it’s just a nightmare. If you just sat out here and watched the backups, it’s insane,” Browne said.

In addition to the resurfacing, motorists should expect to see crews at 21st street setting barriers and reducing turn lanes for work on the intersection.

Adair said, “What else are you going to do? We need better roads, we need smooth roads, we need to get rid of the potholes.”

CDOT says this work will extend the life of US 24 and the bridges within the work zone creating a safer travel experience.

CDOT reports that the project is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.