Current Traffic Impacts
To get ready for construction, parts of South Academy Boulevard between Astrozon Boulevard and Drennen Road will fully close overnight from Sunday through Thursday, starting the evening of January 18. Crews will remove old lane markings, add temporary markings, and set up concrete barriers.
Closure Schedule
Astrozon Blvd. to Hancock Expressway
- Sunday, Jan. 18: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 19: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 22: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Hancock Expressway to Drennan Road
- Tuesday, Jan. 20: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 21: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Astrozon Blvd to Drennan Road (Full Corridor)
- Sunday, Jan. 25: 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Closures may change if weather delays work.
Detour routes
When sections are closed, follow posted detour signs:
- Astrozon to Hancock closed: Use Hancock and Astrozon to get back to South Academy.
- Hancock to Drennan closed: Use Drennan and Astrozon to return to South Academy.
- Full corridor closed: Use Drennan and Astrozon to return to South Academy.
See the “Maps” tab below for maps of traffic detours.
New lane setup starts January 26
On Monday, Jan. 26 at 6 a.m., traffic will shift:
- Between Hancock and Drennen: Lanes reduced, traffic moved east.
- Between Hancock and Astrozon: Lanes reduced, traffic moved west.
The slip ramps connecting Hancock Expressway to South Academy Boulevard will also close at 6 a.m. on Monday, January 26 as part of the ongoing improvement project. Drivers will need to use the signalized intersection to make right-hand turns during construction. Plan for minor delays and watch for signs in the area for updates.
Safety tip: Slow down, follow signs, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra time.
About
The South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project will increase safety, mobility, pedestrian access, and drainage along the corridor. The work covers 18 miles of South Academy Blvd. between Bijou St. and Airport Rd.
Between East Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive (construction to start early 2026)
Work along the corridor focuses on infrastructure improvements, including replacement of aging pavement, curb, and gutter. A new, multi-use path is being constructed on one side of S. Academy Boulevard. The path/sidewalk will improve access for pedestrians and other users. Major drainage improvements are also part of the project and include new manholes, inlets, and drainage pipes. Colorado Springs Utilities is relocating and upgrading water and wastewater lines to support thousands of users in the area.
Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) dollars fund the project.
S. Academy Boulevard Improvement Project Update
Current Status
Segment 1 of the project is complete. Work on the remaining segment beginning in fall 2025 will further improve the overall infrastructure and accessibility of S. Academy Boulevard.
Stay tuned for further updates as we progress through this important community improvement project.
Project Construction Schedule
Construction of the corridor is divided into 2 different segments over the course of 24 months:
- Segment 1 (North) – South Academy Boulevard between Bijou Street and Airport Road
- Started late February 2023
- Completed late 2024
- Segment 2 (South) – South Academy Boulevard between East Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive
- Public open house September 2025
- Scheduled to start early 2026
Public Information
Construction Updates
Fact Sheets
- September 2, 2025 / English
- September 2, 2025 / Spanish
- August 5, 2025 / English
- August 5, 2025 / Spanish
Construction Public Involvement
September 9, 2025 Project Open House
February 16, 2023 Project Open House
Design Public Involvement
Public Meetings
- July 22, 2021 Public Open House
- May 18, 2021 South Academy Blvd - 60% Design - RISE Coalition presentation
- Nov. 17 meeting PowerPoint Presentation
- Frequently Asked Questions – Nov. 2020
Newsletters
Maps
Segment 1: S. Academy Blvd. closure between Hancock Expy. and Drennan Road
Segment 1: S. Academy Blvd. closure between Astrozon Blvd. and Hancock Expy.
Segment 1: S. Academy Blvd. full closure between Astrozon Blvd. and Drennan Road
Segment 1: S. Academy Blvd. & Hancock slip ramp closures
Bus stops affected by S. Academy Blvd. Improvements Project starting week of Jan. 19
Photos
Final Project Photos: Segment 1 (North) – South Academy Boulevard between Bijou Street and Airport Road
Pre-Construction Photos: Segment 2 (South) – South Academy Boulevard between Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive
Funding
This is a voter-approved, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) A-listed project.
Previous Studies