The City of Colorado Springs plans to begin a construction of new medians and improved intersections on Garden of the Gods Road beginning Monday, Oct. 13. The goal of the project is to enhance safety on the busy thoroughfare just east and west of Interstate 25.
The first phase of construction, from I-25 west to Chestnut Street, involves changing the center medians to prohibit motorists from crossing all six lanes of Garden of the Gods Road at one time. Crews will work in the center medians and in the inside traffic lanes adjacent to the medians. Eastbound and westbound motorists will be limited to at least one lane each direction. Motorists should expect delays and use alternative routes when possible.
Business access will be permitted only on a right-in, right-out basis. No crossing through openings in the medians will be permitted during construction. Project duration west of I-25 is expected to be three to four weeks.
A later phrase of the project will start in November and involve improvement of Garden of the Gods Road with Northpark Drive and Mark Dabling Boulevard. Project details will be available soon.
Project Background
Need for improvements
From 2015 to 2020, 47 traffic accidents occurred in the project area west of I-25, 16 of which resulted in injuries. Most accidents of this kind will be eliminated with the planned safety improvements.
Funding
Funding for the $1.96 million project is from the Colorado Department of Transportation, with a local contribution from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
During Project
Traffic impact during construction
- Construction west of I-25 will close the lanes adjacent to the medians within the construction area, from Chestnut Street to the I-25 interchange.
- The construction site itself will prevent motorists from crossing six lanes of traffic from north to south, or vice versa.
- The center lane in each direction may be closed during daytime hours, as needed.
- This means Garden of the Gods Road could be reduced to one lane each way during daytime hours.
- Motorists can expect short delays and should watch for safety signage and changing conditions.
- No left turns will be available from eastbound or westbound Garden of the Gods Road within the construction zone, from Chestnut Street to the I-25 interchange.
- Business access will be available on a right-in, right-out basis only.
- Left turns from westbound Garden of the Gods Road at Chestnut Street will be reduced to one lane only.
- The northbound I-25 exit ramp leading to westbound Garden of the Gods Road will be narrowed to one lane only to prevent traffic from stacking up at the intersection.
When Complete
After construction is complete
- Lengthened medians will prevent motorists from crossing six lanes of traffic from north to south, and vice versa.
- Motorists will be able to make left turns from Garden of the Gods Road to access most businesses. Motorists will not be able to turn left when leaving businesses.
- Left turns using two lanes will be permitted at Chestnut from westbound Garden of the Gods Road.