Changes to South Academy Blvd. traffic for underground waterline construction

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (KRDO) -- There are multiple changes to South Academy Blvd. that may impact your commute.

Construction on the underground waterline will shift the northbound lane of South Academy Blvd. between Jet Wing Dr. and Chelton Rd. The shift is expected to take place on January 3-4 as well as January 7-8.

This means that all traffic will not travel on the western portion of the road due to this construction.

Some businesses will be blocked during those days but drivers can use Astrozon Blvd. to get access to those buildings.

However, drivers can get around that by using Astrozon Boulevard.

KRDO 13 spoke with store manager Zach Ashcraft, who is caught in the middle of the detour.

Despite his own inconviences to get to work, he says the construction has resulted in more people coming into his store.

" I actually feel like the slow down with the construction has actually drawn in even more attention as people are getting stuck in stop and go traffic we’ve actually seen aloft more customers coming in since we’ve moved but we have had some customers that have expressed its a little more of a challenge to get in," says Ashcraft.

Traffic along South Academy Blvd. between Airport Rd. and Bijou St. has also been temporarily shifted to the western side of the road.

Pikes Peak Ave. will remain closed on the east side of South Academy. Both traffic changes are due to underground waterline work and are expected to be in place through February.

The Department of Transportation is asking commuters to drive with caution in these areas while crews are in the area. For more information on closures click here.