Traffic Impacts
Phase 1: North Carefree Circle to Barnes Road
- Expect periodic lane closures for finishing work.
- Travelers should expect equipment and workers adjacent to the road.
- The posted speed limit is 35 mph.
- Follow signs and flagger directions when present.
- As part of a separate project, Colorado Springs Utilities is upgrading an underground gas pipeline in the median of Marksheffel Road. Travelers should expect a northbound Marksheffel Road left lane closure near Barnes Road.
Phase 2: Dublin Boulevard to Barnes Road
- Tamlin Road east of Marksheffel Road is closed for full reconstruction. The signed detour route directs travelers to use Huber Road to access businesses and Peoples United Methodist Church.
- Travelers should expect equipment and workers adjacent to the road.
- Tarren Heights will close to all traffic entering and exiting the neighborhood at Marksheffel Road for two days (Thursday, March 6 at 7 a.m. - Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m.). During the closure, local access will be maintained at Ryker Peak Drive for the neighborhood on the east side of Marksheffel Road.
- Marksheffel Road will close to all through traffic from south of Dublin Boulevard to north of Stetson Hills Boulevard for two consecutive nights (March 10 and 11) from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.The signed detour route will direct Marksheffel Road travelers to use Peterson Road between Dublin Boulevard and Stetson Hills Boulevard during the overnight closures. Local access to the Mountain Valley Preserve neighborhood (Tarren Heights) will be provided from the south at Stetson Hills Boulevard.
- Ryker Peak Drive will close to all traffic entering and exiting the neighborhood at Marksheffel Road for several months starting on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. This closure is required while crews reconstruct the intersection. During the closure, local access will be maintained at Tarren Heights for the neighborhood on the east side of Marksheffel Road.
Text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
About
There are many ongoing efforts by the City and development community to provide improvements along Marksheffel Road. Colorado Springs is leading an accelerated process to widen portions of the corridor now while continuing to pursue more funding for future improvements. Long-term goals include enhanced corridor safety and congestion relief.
North Carefree Circle to Dublin Boulevard
Expanding the existing two-lane section between North Carefree Circle and Dublin Boulevard is a City priority and will take several years to construct.
The first phase of construction focused on the 1.2-mile section between North Carefree Circle and Barnes Road. Phase 1 was complete in late 2024 except for paving the top layer of asphalt and placing final lane striping. Phase 1 finishing work will occur in late spring.
Major construction on Marksheffel Road between Barnes Road and Dublin Boulevard will begin in early 2025 and extend through late 2026. Initial work activities include relocating utilities, installing new drainage facilities and grading adjacent to the current travel lanes. Starting as soon as December, crews will remove median islands at the Marksheffel Road and Dublin Boulevard intersection to make room for future temporary traffic alignments.
When corridor improvements are complete, Marksheffel Road will have two lanes in each direction with a center median, improved drainage, new sidewalk on the west side, and a shared-use path on the east side of Marksheffel Road.
Colorado Springs awarded Kraemer North America (KNA) the construction contract.
Project Benefits
- Enhance safety by providing designated space for drivers, walkers and cyclists
- Reduce congestion by adding an additional lane in each direction and turn lanes at intersections
- Improve mobility by eliminating congestion points
- Upgrade Marksheffel Road using current design and safety standards
- Improve driver sight distance by leveling out hills and dips in the roadway
Maps
Construction Updates
Text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
- March 4, 2025 update
- February 27, 2025 update
- February 18, 2025 update
- January 28, 2025 update
- January 6, 2025 update
- December 4, 2024 update
- December 2, 2024 update
- October 22, 2024 update
- October 4, 2024 update
- September 19, 2024 update
- September 13, 2024 update
- August 12, 2024 update
- August 8, 2024 update
- July 12, 2024 update
- June 28, 2024 update
- May 28, 2024 update
- May 8, 2024 update
- May 3, 2024 update
- April 12, 2024 update
- March 19, 2024 update
- March 12, 2024 update
- February 15, 2024 update
- February 6, 2024 update
- January 4, 2024 update
- December 13, 2023 update
- December 4, 2023 update
- October 22, 2023 update
- October 16, 2023 update
- October 4, 2023 update
- September 15, 2023 update
- September 6, 2023 update
- August 14, 2023 update
- July 20, 2023 update
Background
Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) have had a vision for Marksheffel Road since 2006 when the Corridor Preservation Plan was adopted. The Corridor Preservation Plan established future roadway improvements, preserved the right-of-way, and set expectations for adjacent land uses. Over time, road improvements have been completed by the City, County or developers. Improving Marksheffel Road continues to be one of the highest regional priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the speed limit be reduced on Marksheffel during construction?
Yes. The posted speed limit on Marksheffel Road between North Carefree and Tamlin Road will be reduced to 35 mph during construction.
Will a temporary signal be installed between Dublin Boulevard and Stetson Hills Road?
No. A temporary traffic signal is not planned at either Ryker Peak Drive or Tarren Heights during construction. The City will monitor Tarren Heights and Ryker Peak Drive. Restricting left-turn movements out of the neighborhood may be necessary during certain phases of the project.
What's the status of nearby road connection projects?
The Barnes Road extension east of Marksheffel Road is a private project tied to approved future development. A construction timeline is not currently available.
Progress Photos
January 2025
October 2024
August 2024
