Heavier traffic on I-25 between S. Academy Blvd. and Santa Fe Ave. expected due to construction

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As summer driving kicks into gear, motorists should brace themselves for heavy, tight traffic along I-25 south of Colorado Springs due to the Military Access, Mobility, and Safety Improvement Project.

As part of the project, the Colorado Department of Transportation temporarily shifted southbound I-25 easterly to newly constructed inside lanes between South Academy Boulevard and Mesa Ridge Parkway. That shift happened Saturday, June 4.

Now, traffic along I-25 will be head-to-head, separated only by a temporary barrier. The resident engineer on the construction project, Daniel Hunt, told KRDO that the speed limit between MP 127 and MP 135.5 has changed to 55 mph. Hunt says drivers should plan for a longer commute.

"The big thing for us is to obey the speed limit, and we do have state patrol out there occasionally to help us try to slow people down, but if you just take your time you can get through there safely, says Hunt."

According to CDOT, there will also be nighttime work Sunday through Tuesday that will include a right lane closure eastbound and turn lane closure westbound on Colorado Highway 94 to allow crews to work. There will be a detour in that area that will remain in place until mid-summer.

Below is a look at the detour for that area:

According to CDOT, they're hopeful road repairs will help reduce deaths, injuries, and crashes in that area.

Final work on the lane switch is set to take place in one month with a shift of southbound I-25 to the newly constructed lanes between CO 16 and Santa Fe Ave. The complete project is expected to be finished by the middle of spring 2023.

For more information about this project text MMASIP to 888-970-9665 or click here.