The City of Colorado Springs plans to begin a median modification project to enhance safety on Garden of the Gods Road just west of Interstate 25 starting on Monday, Oct. 13.
Additional work in November will focus on traffic signal improvements on Garden of the Gods Road, east of I-25. Construction for both work areas is expected to last a total of six to eight weeks.
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 center lane in each direction may be closed during daytime hours. This means Garden of the Gods Road could be reduced to one lane each way at times during daytime hours. Motorists can expect short delays and should watch for safety signage and changing conditions.
During construction:
- The construction site itself will prevent motorists from crossing six lanes of traffic from north to south, or vice versa.
- 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.
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 enter most businesses. Motorists will not be able to turn left when exiting businesses.
- Left turns using two lanes will be permitted at Chestnut from westbound Garden of the Gods Road.
This project is needed because many accidents occur in this area. Between 2015 and 2020, 47 traffic accidents occurred in the project area west of I-25, 16 of which resulted in injuries. Accidents occur when motorists try to cross all six lanes of Garden of the Gods Road, which will no longer be possible after construction. Motorists have also experienced accidents when trying to exit a business and turn left onto Garden of the Gods Road.
Funding for the $1.96 million project comes from the Colorado Department of Transportation, with a local contribution from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority. Learn more about the project at ColoradoSprings.gov/GOGmedians.