|
CDOT Moves Ahead with Critical
Interchange Design-Build Project
As far as interstate interchanges go, this one has more than served its life span. Having been built in 1959 consistent with current design standards of that time, the Interstate 25/Cimarron Interchange structure is badly in need of greater efficiency and correcting existing safety and design deficiencies. The planned upgrades include reconstruction of the I-25 interchange between  Colorado Avenue on the north and the Tejon interchange to the south. The U.S. 24 project boundaries are between 8th Street on the west and the Union Pacific-BNSF railroads joint line/Cimarron Street Bridge to the east. The reconstructed interchange will respond to the travel demands in the area with improved traffic operations and safety.
Construction cost for the project is estimated between $65 and $85 million of the $95 million total project cost, which includes local funding from the City of Colorado Springs ($5 million) and El Paso County ($1 million). A Design-Build delivery process will be used for the reconstruction of the interchange.
This project does not include reconstruction of the 8th Street intersection at U.S. 24. That will be a separate project and funding for it has not been identified.
 "The Colorado Department of Transportation recognizes how important the I-25/Cimarron interchange is to the Pikes Peak community. It's been on the state's list of needed projects for several years," said Dave Watt, CDOT Region 2 Resident Engineer. "With its reconstruction, the interchange will be moved 20 to 25 feet to the west, softening the curve and the current highway alignment. When complete, the interchange will function better, safely handle more vehicles and enhance travel for those using both I-25 and U.S. 24/Cimarron Street.
"The project's aesthetics will consider the interchange as a gateway to downtown Colorado Springs and the U.S. 24 corridor to the mountains. The project will also preserve existing and support future multi-modal operational uses for vehicles, trucks and transit as well as trail and creek connections for bikes and pedestrians. And, it will create and enhance opportunities for trail and creek amenities along U.S. 24 and Fountain Creek," Watt said.
Specifically, the project will:
- Reconstruct I-25 to provide improved highway alignment and improved ramps and acceleration and deceleration lanes and shoulders, for better operations and safety on I-25;
- Reconstruct I-25 bridge structures;
- Enhance interchange traffic flow and safety operations; and
- Provide better trail connections, improve water quality, and aesthetic enhancements.
Planned improvements are described in the I-25 Environmental Assessment (EA) completed for the project in summer of 2004 and the U.S. 24 West EA currently under review.
| 
