Traffic Impacts
- Barnes Road between Antelope Ridge Drive and Marksheffel Road is closed for major road work. The signed detour routes will direct travelers to Peterson Road and either Stetson Hills Boulevard or North Carefree Circle to bypass the closed work area. Businesses on Barnes Road west of Marksheffel Road are open and can be accessed from Antelope Ridge Drive.
- Travelers should expect equipment and workers adjacent to the road.
- The posted speed limit is 35 mph.
- Trucks may be crossing Zircon Drive and Graphite Drive at Marksheffel Road.
- Follow signs and flagger directions when present.
- A temporary traffic signal is now in place at the intersection of Marksheffel Road and Zircon Drive. The temporary signal will help residents enter and exit neighborhoods while there is still only one lane in each direction on Marksheffel Road east of the new raised median. The traffic signal will be removed once southbound Marksheffel Road traffic moves to the west side of the median.
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 may take several years to construct.
The first phase of construction focuses on the 1.2-mile section between North Carefree Circle and Tamlin Road. Initial work activities include relocating utilities, installing new drainage facilities, and constructing a water quality pond for storm water. Surface improvements between North Carefree Circle and Tamlin Road include grading, road widening with new curb and gutter, new pavement, and lowering the Barnes Road intersection about eight feet. Construction will continue through 2024.
City officials continue to seek funding to improve the remaining 1.5-mile two-lane section of Marksheffel Road between Tamlin Road and Dublin Boulevard in 2025 and 2026.
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 for the project’s first phase.
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
Construction Updates
Text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
- 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 something be done to help with access out of the neighborhoods east of Marksheffel during construction?
Yes, several temporary lane configuration changes were made during construction near Zircon Drive and Graphite Drive. Temporary detour pavement was placed on Graphite Drive during part of the work.
Currently, it is difficult for vehicles heading west on Zircon Drive to turn left onto southbound Marksheffel Road during peak travel times. While vehicles are waiting to turn left, the traffic queue often blocks vehicles from making a right turn onto northbound Marksheffel Road.
On Aug. 15, 2024, a temporary traffic signal was placed at the intersection of Marksheffel Road and Zircon Drive to address safety concerns. The temporary signal helps residents enter and exit neighborhoods while there is still only one lane in each direction on Marksheffel Road east of the new raised median. The traffic signal will be removed in late September once southbound Marksheffel Road traffic moves to the west side of the median. This schedule is weather-dependent and may change.
Several signal timing adjustments have been made since the temporary signal was installed. The city and project team will continue to monitor traffic conditions on Marksheffel Road. Alternate routes to Marksheffel are encouraged during peak hours when travel delays are expected.
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.