Current Traffic Impacts
Late April–Late May: Hancock Expressway closures planned
Beginning Monday, April 27, the east side of Hancock Expressway just east of South Academy Boulevard will close for approximately two weeks, through Friday, May 8, for waterline installation. Access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open. Drivers should follow signed detour routes around the closure. Detours during two-week closure:
- Westbound Hancock Expressway: North on Jet Wing Drive, west on Astrozon Boulevard, south on South Academy Boulevard, then return to Hancock Expressway
- Eastbound Hancock Expressway: North on South Academy Boulevard, east on Astrozon Boulevard, south on Jet Wing Drive, then return to Hancock Expressway
A full closure of Hancock Expressway at South Academy Boulevard will follow from 7 p.m. Friday, May 8 through noon Monday, May 11 for additional waterline work. Hancock Expressway will be closed in all directions at the intersection during this time. Detours during full weekend closure
- Westbound Hancock Expressway: Use Astrozon Boulevard
- Eastbound Hancock Expressway: Use Jet Wing Drive
Access to nearby businesses and properties will remain open throughout all phases of work. All work is weather-dependent and schedules may change.
Bus stop locations along the corridor will be significantly impacted. Riders are encouraged to visit MMTransit.com for detailed information on temporary stop locations and service changes.
Boychuk Avenue is reduced to alternating one-lane traffic controlled by temporary signals or flaggers. The bike lane is closed in this area and bicyclists need to merge with traffic. This work will last approximately two months and is necessary for prep work for the tie-in of Boychuk Avenue to S. Academy Boulevard. Please be careful when exiting and entering Colorado Car Wash located southwest of Boychuk Avenue. In addition, the Victory Outreach parking lot southeast exit is closed during this work.
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
- Week of April 26, 2026 / English
- Week of April 26, 2026 / Spanish
- February 22, 2026 / English
- February 22, 2026 / Español
Fact Sheets
- September 2, 2025 / English
- September 2, 2025 / Español
- August 5, 2025 / English
- August 5, 2025 / Español
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
Construction Photos: Segment 2 (South) – South Academy Boulevard between Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive
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