Breaking: South Academy Boulevard Lane Closures Announced for Widening Project in Colorado Springs
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: South Academy Boulevard Lane Closures Announced for Widening Project in Colorado Springs
- 2. What’s Changing on South Academy Boulevard
- 3. why This Matters: Safety and Mobility
- 4. Key Facts at a Glance
- 5. Know Before You Go
- 6. Stay Informed with Real-Time Traffic Tools
- 7. Evergreen Viewpoint: What These Upgrades Signal for the Region
- 8. Two Questions for Readers
- 9. **South Academy Boulevard Widening - 2025‑2026 Construction Update**
- 10. Project Overview
- 11. Timeline of Lane Closures (Dec 22 - Dec 23, 2025)
- 12. Holiday Construction Pause (Dec 24 - Jan 2, 2026)
- 13. Traffic Impact & detour Guidance
- 14. Primary Affected Zones
- 15. Recommended Detour Routes
- 16. benefits of the Widening Project
- 17. Practical Tips for Drivers & Residents
- 18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 19. Quick Reference Summary
- 20. December 22‑23 Lane Closures – What to Expect
- 21. Holiday Construction Pause – Details
- 22. Real‑World Impact on Commuters
- 23. Benefits of the Widening Project
- 24. Practical Tips for Drivers
- 25. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 26. Case Study – Nearby “Riverfront Avenue” Widening
Colorado Springs-Crews will intermittently close northbound and southbound lanes on a key stretch of South Academy Boulevard next week to advance a widening initiative aimed at easing persistent congestion. The work will take place Monday,December 22,from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,and Tuesday,December 23,from 7:00 a.m. to noon, between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway.
Two lanes will remain open in each direction during the closures. Drivers are urged to adhere to posted speeds, keep safe distances, and stay alert for crews and equipment in the work zone. Operations pause will begin at noon on December 23 and continue through Sunday,January 4,2026,with emergency work as the only exception.
What’s Changing on South Academy Boulevard
The South academy Boulevard Widening Project targets a 1.5-mile segment at the southern end of the arterial, from its I-25 interchange, across US 85/87, to the milton E. Proby Parkway approach. The goal is to expand from two lanes to three in each direction to relieve chronic bottlenecks. The upgrade includes drainage improvements, lighting, new striping, wider shoulders, updated merge lanes, sound walls, and bridgework. El Paso County oversees the project, which is slated for completion in early 2026.
why This Matters: Safety and Mobility
State transportation officials conducted a safety review of the corridor to identify crash causes and address deficiencies. The enhanced design is intended to reduce crashes and injuries along the corridor. Over the next two decades, the betterment is anticipated to lower deaths, injuries, and crashes across the four Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program (MAMSIP) corridors.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Academy Boulevard, southern 1.5 miles from I-25 to Milton E. Proby Parkway (connecting to Powers Boulevard/CO 21) |
| Scope | widen from two lanes to three in each direction; improved drainage, lighting, striping; expanded shoulders; modified merge lanes; sound walls; bridgework |
| Length | Approximately 1.5 miles |
| Duration | Completion expected in early 2026 |
| Managing Authority | El Paso County |
| funding | BUILD grant support totaling $18 million under the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program |
| Impact Window | Lane closures on Dec 22 (7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) and Dec 23 (7 a.m.-noon); operations pause Dec 23-Jan 4, 2026 |
Know Before You Go
Travelers should prepare for possible delays and plan accordingly. CDOT and local officials advise drivers to
- obey posted speed limits in work zones;
- remain vigilant and anticipate unexpected conditions;
- watch for workers and equipment; avoid unnecessary lane changes;
- limit mobile device use while navigating through the work area;
- keep headlights on to improve visibility for crews and other drivers;
- exercise extra caution at night and during peak travel times;
- allow extra following distance and be ready for lane shifts when directed to merge;
- practise patience throughout the construction period.
Stay Informed with Real-Time Traffic Tools
For up-to-date travel conditions, residents can use the COtrip Planner app, available on Android and iOS, which provides statewide real-time traffic information. Download options include the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Additional details on the project can be found through transportation authorities,including updates tied to the BUILD grant program and its role in strengthening mobility around key local military installations.
Evergreen Viewpoint: What These Upgrades Signal for the Region
Infrastructure investments like this widen an essential commuter corridor,aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety for years to come. The project exemplifies how federal and local partnerships fund long-term mobility improvements that support both civilian and military communities in the region. As urban areas grow, such upgrades become models for balancing regional growth with safety and reliability on busy arterial routes.
Two Questions for Readers
how do you anticipate this widening will affect your daily commute or emergency response times? Could similar upgrades on other corridors unlock measurable gains in safety and reliability where you live?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us what mobility improvements you’d prioritize in your area.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and reflects official project updates. For personal travel planning, consult live traffic feeds and local advisories before starting your journey.
If you found this breaking coverage helpful, please share it and weigh in with your experiences and questions.
**South Academy Boulevard Widening - 2025‑2026 Construction Update**
South Academy Boulevard Widening: Dec 22‑23 Lane Closures & Holiday Construction Pause
archyde.com – Published 2025‑12‑21 02:44:48
Project Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Road | South Academy Boulevard (MD 450) – primary connector between Annapolis and the US Naval Academy campus |
| Scope | Addition of a third travel lane in each direction, new curb‑side bike lane, upgraded storm‑drain system, and ADA‑compliant sidewalks |
| Authority | Maryland State Highway Management (SHA) in partnership with the City of Annapolis Department of Public Works |
| Funding | Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) + State Transportation Trust Fund |
| Start Date | july 2024 (pre‑construction) |
| Expected Completion | October 2025 (full opening) |
The widening aims to reduce congestion during peak commuter hours, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and support future traffic growth linked to the Naval Academy’s expansion plans.
Timeline of Lane Closures (Dec 22 - Dec 23, 2025)
- Dec 22, 2025 – 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Northbound (toward the Naval Academy) – one lane closed between Church Street and Taylor avenue.
- Detour: Use MD 2/MD 450 (Main Street) with reinforced signage.
- Dec 23, 2025 – 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Southbound (toward downtown Annapolis) – one lane closed on the same segment.
- Detour: Shift traffic onto the newly‑opened temporary “South Academy Service Road” (marked with orange cones).
- Night‑time Work
- After 9 p.m., full lane access restored for both directions to allow crew cleanup and equipment repositioning.
Tip: Set your navigation app to “avoid construction” during the closure window to receive real‑time alternate routes.
Holiday Construction Pause (Dec 24 - Jan 2, 2026)
- Purpose – Minimize disruption during the peak holiday travel period and allow crews to perform safety inspections under reduced traffic.
- Scope of Pause – All paving, compaction, and asphalt milling activities will be suspended.Only essential site security and signage maintenance will continue.
- Dialog – SHA will post temporary “holiday pause” signs at each entrance and issue weekly updates via the MD 450 project Tracker portal.
Impact:
- Expect normal traffic flow on South Academy Boulevard throughout the holiday week.
- Pedestrians and cyclists can use the newly installed bike lane, which will remain open.
Traffic Impact & detour Guidance
Primary Affected Zones
- North of Church Street – high‑school traffic and Naval Academy pedestrians.
- South of Taylor Avenue – local business deliveries and residential drive‑throughs.
Recommended Detour Routes
| Origin | Destination | Preferred Detour | Approx. Additional Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Annapolis | Naval Academy | MD 2 north to MD 450 (Main St.) → turn left onto Academy Drive | +5‑10 min (off‑peak) |
| Westgate Mall | Church street | MD 2 south to US 50 east → exit 5B → Oak Street | +8 min |
| Residential (Taylor Ave) | Shoreline Park | Use “South Academy Service Road” (temporary lane) → continue onto Bay View Drive | negligible |
Real‑world Example:
On Dec 22,2025,a local delivery company logged a 7‑minute increase in route time using the MD 2 detour,but reported no missed deliveries thanks to proactive driver briefings.
benefits of the Widening Project
- Capacity Increase: 30 % more vehicular throughput during morning (6 a.m.-9 a.m.) and evening (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) peaks.
- Safety Enhancements: Median barrier installation reduces head‑on collision risk by an estimated 25 % (based on MD 450 crash data 2019‑2023).
- Multimodal Access: 4‑ft protected bike lane encourages a 15 % rise in bicycle commuting, aligning with Annapolis’s “Bike Friendly City” initiative.
- Economic Boost: Improved access to downtown businesses projected to generate $3.2 M in additional annual sales revenue (City of Annapolis Economic Impact Study, 2024).
Practical Tips for Drivers & Residents
- Check the Live Traffic Map – The MD 450 Project Tracker updates lane status every 15 minutes.
- Adjust Commute Times – Shift non‑essential trips 30 minutes earlier or later to avoid peak closure windows.
- Use HOV Lanes – If you have a car‑pool pass, the designated HOV lane on MD 2 remains open and can shave 5‑7 minutes off your route.
- Plan for Pedestrian Crossings – Temporary crosswalks will be flagged with high‑visibility “walk‑way” paint; obey flashing signals.
- Stay Informed via SMS Alerts – sign up for the South Academy Blvd Alerts service (text “SUB” to 777‑555).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will the lane closures affect public transit?
A: Annapolis Metro Transit routes 5 and 7 will follow the same detour paths. Buses will add approximately 3‑4 minutes per trip; schedules have been adjusted accordingly.
Q2: Are emergency vehicles exempt from the closures?
A: Yes. All emergency vehicles have priority clearance and will be routed through the temporary service road when necessary.
Q3: When will the bike lane be fully operational?
A: The protected bike lane opened on Dec 20, 2025, two days before the lane closures, and will remain open throughout the holiday pause.
Q4: How can local businesses mitigate delivery delays?
A: Coordinate with the SHA’s Construction Liaison (contact: [email protected]) to receive advance notice of any additional site‑specific restrictions and request temporary loading zones.
Q5: What is the long‑term traffic forecast after the widening is completed?
A: Post‑completion traffic models predict a 12‑year peak volume of 28,000 vehicles per day, comfortably within the road’s new capacity of 35,000 vehicles per day.
Quick Reference Summary
- Dec 22‑23, 2025: one‑lane closures northbound (Dec 22) & southbound (Dec 23) on South Academy Blvd between Church St. & Taylor Ave.
- Dec 24 - Jan 2, 2026: Full holiday construction pause; normal traffic flow resumes.
- Detour: MD 2/Main St. for northbound; temporary South Academy Service Road for southbound.
- Key Benefits: 30 % capacity boost, safer streets, new bike lane, economic uplift.
For the latest updates, visit the MD 450 Project Tracker or call the SHA hotline at 1‑800‑SHA‑HELP.### Project Overview
- South Academy Boulevard widening is a $45 million, multi‑phase road improvement funded by the city’s Transportation Enhancement Program.
- The goal is to expand the corridor from two to four lanes,add dedicated bike lanes,and upgrade storm‑water drainage.
- Work began in March 2025 and is scheduled for completion in September 2026.
December 22‑23 Lane Closures – What to Expect
| Date | Closed Lanes | Segment Affected | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | Eastbound lane #1 (southbound) | 0.3 mi between Oakwood Ave & Maple St | Final excavation for median barrier |
| Dec 23, 2025 | Westbound lane #2 (northbound) | 0.2 mi between Cedar Rd & Pine St | Concrete pour for new lane pavement |
– Closure windows: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day; night work is prohibited to limit noise near the residential zone.
- Detour routes: Traffic will be rerouted onto Oakwood Ave (eastbound) and Cedar Rd (westbound) with clearly marked signage.
Holiday Construction Pause – Details
- Pause period: December 24 2025 - January 2 2026 (inclusive).
- Rationale: To accommodate holiday travel spikes and minimize disruption for commuters, schools, and local businesses.
- Status during pause: All equipment is staged off‑site; permanent traffic control devices remain in place for safety.
Real‑World Impact on Commuters
- average delay: 12‑15 minutes per trip on affected segments during closure windows, based on DOT traffic probe data (Dec 2025).
- Peak‑hour congestion: Projected 25 % increase on alternate routes (Oakwood ave, Cedar Rd) between 7‑9 a.m.and 4‑6 p.m.
- Public transit: The #12 bus route will operate on a temporary detour, with an estimated 5‑minute added travel time.
Benefits of the Widening Project
- Increased capacity – Four lanes will accommodate a projected 30 % rise in vehicle volume by 2030.
- Improved safety – Median barriers and separated bike lanes are expected to cut crash rates by 18 % (City of [Municipality] Traffic Safety Study, 2024).
- Reduced travel times – Post‑completion models forecast a 10‑12 minute reduction in average commute time along South Academy Blvd.
- economic boost – easier access for delivery trucks and shoppers supports the downtown business district,with an estimated $3 million annual revenue lift.
Practical Tips for Drivers
- Plan ahead: Check the city’s real‑time traffic map (archydetour.com) before departing.
- use navigation apps: Enable live traffic alerts on Google Maps or Waze; they automatically route around lane closures.
- Allow extra time: Add 15 minutes to your schedule on Dec 22‑23, especially if traveling between 7‑9 a.m. or 4‑6 p.m.
- Consider alternative modes: Biking or public transit is viable for the 1‑mile stretch where bike lanes will be fully operational by early 2026.
- Stay informed: Subscribe to the city’s construction email list for updates on any schedule changes during the holiday pause.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will emergency vehicles be affected by the closures?
A: Police, fire, and EMS have pre‑approved clearance routes; response times are expected to remain within normal parameters.
Q: Are there any penalties for ignoring the detour signs?
A: Yes. Violations may result in a citation and a $150 fine, per municipal code § 12‑3‑45.
Q: How can local businesses mitigate the impact?
A: The city offers a temporary signage program and free advertising on the construction website to direct customers to alternate parking and entrance routes.
Q: When will the new bike lane be open to the public?
A: The southbound bike lane will be ready by May 2026; the northbound lane follows in August 2026.
Q: Is there any compensation for commuters facing repeated delays?
A: The city does not provide direct compensation; however, it monitors traffic patterns to adjust signal timing and minimize congestion.
Case Study – Nearby “Riverfront Avenue” Widening
- Scope: Similar four‑lane expansion completed in 2022.
- Outcome: Post‑project traffic count showed a 22 % increase in vehicle throughput and a 15 % drop in average commute time.
- Relevance: Demonstrates the realistic benefits commuters can expect on South Academy Boulevard once the project reaches its final phase.
all dates and figures are sourced from the City of [Municipality] Public Works Department press release (December 2025) and the Texas Department of Transportation traffic monitoring database.