COLORADO SPRINGS — One of Colorado Springs’ busiest intersections is about to undergo a significant upgrade. Beginning Monday, Aug. 11, crews will start construction on the Woodmen Road bridge over Academy Boulevard, a high-traffic area that sees up to 80,000 vehicles a day.

The three-month project will replace aging concrete and bridge joints, while also repaving Woodmen Road from East Rockrimmon Boulevard past Olga Wilson Way. The city has chosen to schedule the bulk of the work at night to keep the intersection as accessible as possible during the day.

“They should both be wrapped up in about a three-month period of time,” said Gayle Sturdivant, City Engineer and Deputy Public Works Director. “The bulk of this work is going to be happening at nighttime. One of the reasons why we’re moving this work, as much to the nighttime as possible, is so that this busy intersection and all the businesses around it can be accessed throughout it.”

Upgraded Materials for Longer Life

A key feature of the project is the use of a new, more durable asphalt mix. While the material costs more upfront, city engineers believe the investment will pay off with fewer repairs and less disruption in the future.

“CDOT uses it quite a bit on highways. There have been some other municipalities up in Denver that have used it on highly traveled roadways. We’ve gone up and seen the product, and it looks really good. From what we know, it performs really well,” said Corey Farkas, City Operations and Maintenance Division Manager.

If the results match expectations, this asphalt could be used for other high-traffic areas, including upcoming projects along Academy Boulevard.

“We will be tackling segments of Academy in the future. This could be a very good tool in our toolbox to be able to utilize, to give the citizens of Colorado Springs a much better product on the roadway,” Farkas added.

Funded by Local Taxpayers

The project is funded through voter-approved programs — the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) roadway maintenance fund and the 2C paving program. City officials say this investment is part of a broader push to modernize infrastructure and improve long-term driving conditions.

Traffic and Safety Reminders

Drivers can expect nighttime lane closures, detours, and reduced speed limits near the work zone. Pedestrian access will be maintained, but crossing points may shift during construction.

“As you’re going through here, even with the work happening at night… be patient. You’re going to see things going on. Watch out for the workers, slow down, take the time… so you get home safely and the workers are getting home safely as well,” said Sturdivant.

Background on the Intersection’s Importance

The Woodmen Road–Academy Boulevard interchange is one of the most heavily traveled in the region, serving as a connector between residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and major commuter routes. City officials say that without this maintenance, wear and tear could lead to more severe repairs in the near future, creating even greater traffic headaches.

Weather conditions, especially Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, have accelerated deterioration of the bridge deck and surrounding pavement, making this work a priority for 2025.

What’s Next

If construction remains on schedule, the renovated bridge and freshly paved roadway should reopen fully by November 2025. The City plans to monitor performance of the new asphalt over several seasons before deciding whether to expand its use citywide.

Originally reported by Erin Bowling in Fox 21 News.