Current Traffic Impacts
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Intermittent lane closures on South Academy between Drennen Road and Astrozon Boulevard
The slip ramps connecting Hancock Expressway to South Academy Boulevard is closed as part of the ongoing improvement project. Drivers must use the signalized intersection to make right-hand turns during construction. Plan for minor delays and watch for signs in the area for updates.
The southbound South Academy Boulevard on-ramp to eastbound Milton Proby Parkway is closed to allow crews to perform water and drainage utility upgrades in the area. This closure will be in place approximately until the end of May. This schedule depends on weather and is subject to change.
Detour Route
Use Hancock Expressway to connect to eastbound Milton Proby Parkway. From Milton Proby Parkway, continue east to access Colorado Springs Airport via the designated detour route.
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
- January 26, 2026 / English
- January 26, 2026 / Spanish
- January 12, 2026 / English
- January 12, 2026 / Spanish
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
Milton E. Proby Ramp Closure and Detour Route
This closure begins Jan. 21, 2026.
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