Research Parkway at Powers Boulevard (CO21) scheduled to reopen on the west side of the interchange

COLORADO SPRINGS — A major portion of the earthwork required to construct the new Powers Boulevard (CO21) bridge over Research Parkway is complete. Research Parkway at Powers Boulevard (CO21) on the west side will reopen on Friday. Once opened, through-access will remain restricted on Research Parkway, at Powers Boulevard (CO21). CDOT will continue bridge and ramp construction as part of the new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). This traffic configuration will be in place until the full DDI has been implemented, to allow for a safer work zone.

“We appreciate the patience of the local community,” explained Richard Zamora, CDOT Southeast Regional Transportation Director. “We know that construction is an inconvenience, with the closure of Research Parkway, we were able to eliminate the need for noisy night time work and accelerate the project timeline.”

Once completed, the new Diverging Diamond Interchange will increase the flow of traffic by allowing free-flowing turns when entering and exiting Powers Boulevard (CO 21) from Research Parkway by eliminating left turns against oncoming traffic and reducing the number of traffic signals. In addition to building the new Diverging Diamond Interchange structure with Powers Boulevard (CO 21) going over Research Parkway, the project will include new pavement to three miles of Powers Boulevard (CO 21) and add pedestrian/bicycle enhancements to improve access to schools in the area. The project is in response to the growth in the northeastern area of Colorado Springs along the Powers Boulevard (CO 21) corridor and is part of CDOT’s on-going effort to improve interchanges along the corridor.

Traffic Impacts

Beginning Friday, January 14:

Research Parkway will have no direct through access across Powers Boulevard (CO21).
Northbound and southbound Powers Boulevard (CO21) will continue to have no impacts.
Access to Powers Boulevard from Research Parkway on the west side will be limited to southbound access only, northbound and through access will use the signalized U turn south of the interchange.
Access to Powers Boulevard from Research Parkway on the east side will be limited to northbound access only, southbound and through access will use the signalized U turn north of the interchange.
All scheduled closures are weather permitting.

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Project Information

Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/co-21-research-parkway-interchange-study/construction

Email: powersandresearch@gmail.com

Hotline: 720-507-6255

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html
Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
Be patient!

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About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.