COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Motorists in Colorado Springs are set to see relief starting Wednesday morning as a major traffic improvement project hits a key milestone. The City of Colorado Springs, in partnership with the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA), has been working on a project aimed at easing congestion along a busy stretch of road. The project focuses on improving traffic flow from the southbound I-25 exit to Nevada Avenue, and increasing the queuing capacity for vehicles turning left from northbound Nevada Avenue onto northbound I-25.
On Wednesday morning, the project reached a significant milestone when all northbound lanes of South Nevada Avenue were reopened. In addition, a new traffic signal was installed at the Nevada and Brookside intersection, further improving the flow of vehicles through the area.
The improvements come as a welcome relief for local businesses and commuters. Eric Rizzuto, an assistant manager at the nearby Midas auto repair shop, shared his excitement, describing the lane closures as a daily inconvenience for customers. “It’s been a nightmare. People have to drive halfway down the block just to turn around. It’s going to be great when things are back to normal,” Rizzuto said.
The cost of the project is $9.1 million, funded through voter-approved PPRTA sales tax revenues. As of Wednesday, the project is on budget, with the next phase of construction set to continue through the coming months. The work will be completed in three phases over a total of nine months to minimize traffic disruptions.
The first phase of the project involved the construction of a new median on Nevada Avenue, stretching from Brookside to I-25. This improvement aims to increase the queuing capacity for left-turning vehicles onto northbound I-25. In addition, a pedestrian bridge across Cheyenne Creek was completed, along with sidewalk improvements along Tejon Street under I-25.
Phase two, which focuses on widening the I-25 South Connector Road to accommodate a new right-turn lane onto Nevada Avenue, is now underway. This phase also includes the construction of new sidewalk facilities and the installation of a new traffic signal at the Nevada and Brookside intersection.
Phase three will complete the remaining improvements, including additional sidewalk, bicycle, and intersection upgrades along Tejon Street from I-25 to Motor Way.
Project officials say the improvements will enhance both vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow. “The goal is to increase safety and efficiency for everyone traveling through this busy corridor,” said a representative from the PPRTA. “This project will provide safer passage for pedestrians, better access for bicyclists, and improved driving conditions for motorists.”
Notable features of the project include a new pedestrian bridge over Cheyenne Creek, widened sidewalks for pedestrians, and increased bike safety measures, including bike ramps and high-visibility pavement markings. The addition of curb protection at the Tejon Street and Motor Way intersection aims to improve comfort for bicyclists navigating the area.
With work still ongoing, the public is advised to be aware of detours in place for pedestrians and cyclists. Southbound South Tejon Street cyclists are being directed to use a new bike ramp and sidewalk, while northbound South Nevada Avenue cyclists should use a designated route through Brookside Street.
Despite the ongoing construction, officials are optimistic that the project will greatly improve the transportation experience for all users of the busy intersection once completed.
