Major construction set for Barnes Road

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A major construction project is set to begin Wednesday on Barnes Road between Powers Boulevard and the Homestead Trail Crossing. The City of Colorado Springs plans to rebuild the four-lane stretch of road.

Kevin Diekelman, the project manager said, “The primary goal of the project is to complete this urban cross-section that is missing between Powers and Solar Ridge Drive.”

The plan is to install a median, sidewalks, turn lanes and storm drain infrastructure where it wasn’t before.

“It will have a median, curb and gutter, sidewalks, we will be providing drainage infrastructure that’s currently lacking in the project area,” said Diekelman.

The budget for the project is set for more than 3 million dollars and will be funded primarily by the PPRTA2 which was voted on and approved by Colorado Springs voters.

Diekelman said, “This is an A-list project on the PPRTA2, voter-approved ballot measure, and we are always excited to complete these projects because voters are supportive of them and the budget is about $3.25 million with a little over 2 million in construction and some design and professional consultant services included in that.”

Work will begin outside the roadway this week with lane closures and other traffic impacts beginning in March.

“Commuters and residents will start to see some work on the Southside of Barnes Rd and we will be doing some work ahead of time to lower the overhead electric and do some shoulder improvements.”

Throughout construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction. The project is expected to last about 10 months.