Current Traffic Impacts
Spring 2026 Road Closures and Detours
Beginning mid-April the westbound Circle Drive off-ramp to Hancock Expressway will be temporarily closed and is anticipated to remain closed through late April 2026. Crews will be closing this off-ramp to accommodate ongoing construction activities in the area for the Circle Drive Bridges Replacement project. Motorists are advised to follow posted detour routes and allow for additional travel time. Access to businesses in the area will be maintained eastbound and westbound via the on-ramp to Circle Drive from the Hancock Expressway. Please note that access from westbound Circle Drive will not be available during the closure. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to complete these improvements safely and efficiently.
Work, such as timeframes and restrictions associated with construction, is coordinated with the railroad and subject to change.
Travelers should expect equipment and workers adjacent to the road.
Click on the map to view the full resolution version of the image.
Construction
Construction work will occur in three phases:
Construction Phase 1
Consists of maintaining traffic on existing Circle Drive bridges while constructing the new eastbound bridges alongside the original eastbound bridges.
- Circle Drive will have two lanes of traffic open in both directions
- Temporary lane closure on Las Vegas Street and Hancock Expressway
- Remove the original westbound bridges
- Pikes Peak Greenway Trail detour
Construction Phase 2
Consists of opening the newly constructed Circle Drive eastbound bridges. Once the bridges open, the traveling eastbound traffic will shift from the original eastbound bridges to the newly constructed eastbound bridges. The following steps include:
- Shifting westbound traffic on Circle Drive to the original eastbound bridges
- Circle Drive will have two lanes of traffic open in both directions
- Construct the new westbound bridges
- Temporary lane closure on Las Vegas Street and Hancock Expressway
- Pikes Peak Greenway Trail detour
Construction Phase 3
- Circle Drive will have two lanes of traffic open in both directions
- New sidewalks open heading west on Circle Dr. Bridges (sidewalk does not extend north)
- Pikes Peak Greenway Trail reopens, detour removed
- Restoration
What will this look like in Phase 1?
This is Circle Drive bridges from its original constructed in 1963. The eastbound and westbound lanes of Circle Drive east of Interstate-25, between Janitell Road to the south and Monterey Road to the north, are carried on a total of four bridges consisting of two sets of twin structures. At more than 800 feet long in total and 60 feet above Fountain Creek, the structures carry two lanes of traffic in both directions. They span over Fountain Creek, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, the FMIC (Irrigation), Las Vegas Street, Hancock Expressway, and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. Construction for replacement begins in fall 2023.
Construction of a new eastbound bridge with pedestrian access will be constructed first. Eastbound traffic will maintain access on the current bridge.
What will this look like in Phase 2?
Eastbound traffic will be routed to the newly completed bridge to access the eastern routes.
Westbound traffic will now use the original bridge used for eastbound traffic. The original westbound bridge will no longer be used for travel.
The original westbound bridge will be demolished. Westbound travelers will maintain access on the original eastbound bridge.
The new westbound bridge construction is completed.
What will this look like in Phase 3?
Westbound traffic and pedestrians will now be routed onto the newly completed westbound bridge.
The original eastbound bridge is demolished. This completes the project with new bridges, pedestrian and bicycle access.
The bridge replacement construction process relies on advanced project planning and design, innovative materials, and construction methods to reduce the time and effort it takes to replace bridges. The benefits of the construction approach for the four bridges includes improvements in safety, quality, durability, social costs and environmental impacts. This type of approach reduces traffic and mobility impacts, onsite construction time, and weather-related time delays.
Background
Project Background
The eastbound and westbound lanes of Circle Drive east of Interstate-25, between Janitell Road and Monterey Road, are carried on a total of four bridges consisting of two sets of twin structures. At more than 800 feet long and 60 feet above Fountain Creek, the structures carry two lanes of traffic in both directions. The bridges span over Fountain Creek, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF), the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the FMIC (Irrigation), Las Vegas Street, Hancock Expressway, and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail.
History
The Circle Drive Bridges were originally built in 1963. Over the past several years the City has used available funding toward rehabilitation to keep these bridges in service. In 2018, the City initiated a study to determine if the bridges should be rehabilitated or replaced.
The first objective of the study was to identify the best rehabilitation and replacement solutions that will result in the longest life for the bridges. Each option needed to meet current design requirements while incorporating both initial construction costs and long-term operations and maintenance costs. These two alternatives were then compared against one another to determine which solution is the best long-term investment for the City of Colorado Springs.
After several analyses and a review of overall life-cycle costs, the City determined that replacing the bridges is the best solution. Given the extensive deterioration of the existing structures, the rehabilitation option would be more expensive while not fully providing for the desired structural capacity. Based on their current condition, and as the bridges have exceeded their service life, a complete replacement of the bridges has been designed.
The project team evaluated the span configuration, identified roadway typical section and traffic phasing, and developed a cost-effective design to facilitate a successful replacement that will assure the new bridges perform better and are safer for the community.
The final design of the new bridges was completed in fall 2022. Construction is now underway and anticipated to be complete by the fall of 2025.
Project Benefits
- Bridges designed to safely accommodate vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians
- New sidewalk connection from Circle Drive to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail
- Bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Hancock Expressway
- Water and Stormwater Improvements
Stay Informed
Resources
Previous Public Open House
An Open House to introduce the project and obtain public feedback took place Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Solid Rock Christian Life Center, 2520 Arlington Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Public Open House Materials
FAQ
What are the construction hours?
The project will require two construction seasons (approximately 24 months total). Generally, construction work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Any allowances for weekend or night work will require advance approval from the City and the community will be notified.
How is this project funded?
The project is funded through Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) Priority A-list.
How long will construction last?
Construction to begin in fall 2023 and is anticipated to be completed late 2025, lasting approximately two years.
Who is responsible for this project?
This project is a Public Works Department project. SEMA is leading the project construction. Benesch is the primary construction management team, with Basis Partners as a subcontractor. HDR is the primary design consultant and public relations lead.
What can I expect during construction?
While we always do our best to minimize impacts during construction, businesses and residents can expect:
- Equipment, materials, and construction crews located along the road and in the existing right-of-way
- Lane shifts on Circle Drive
- Two lanes of traffic open in both directions on Circle Drive
- Special operations may require closing Circle Drive for short periods of time, these closures will be posted in advance
- Lane closures on Las Vegas Street and Hancock Expressway
- Pikes Peak Greenway Trail detours will be provided prior to closure
- Property impacts – the contractor will notify property owners in advance
How do trail users access Pikes Peak Greenway Trail when the trail detour goes into effect?
There will be temporary signage placed along the route to guide you around the trail closure.
- North Connection
If you are connecting from the north side of Circle Drive, a temporary trail detour will connect you from Janitell Road toward I-25 and on the east side of I-25 connecting you to the south temporary trail detour near Stratton Creek. - South Connection
If you are connecting from the south side of Circle Drive, a temporary trail detour will connect you from the temporary trail detour near Stratton Creek, head west toward Janitell Road alongside I-25 connecting you to the north temporary trail detour near Circle Drive.
What is the project restoration plan?
We are committed to restoring roads, sidewalks, and landscaping impacted by the project back to pre-construction condition. Some restoration may need to wait until seasonal or weather conditions are most suitable.
What is happening with the Willwood tunnel?
The Willwood tunnel will be closed to automobiles for the duration of construction through 2025. The city will then return the tunnel to the one-way configuration after construction is completed.
Progress Photos
Click the accordions below to view progress photos of the project, sorted by project phase.
Phase 1: Construction of new eastbound bridge
Phase 2: Demolition of old westbound bridge and construction of new westbound bridge
Demolition of westbound bridge
Construction of westbound bridge
Phase 3: Old eastbound bridge is demolished and completion of the new bridges, pedestrian and bicycle access.
Phase 3 has not yet started. Photos to come soon.