Colorado Department of Transportation Shows Progress on BUILD Grant Program

News Release

October 6, 2020 - Southeastern Colorado - Construction Begins on Colorado 94 Safety Improvements

Colorado Springs — Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor, SEMA Construction, Inc. will begin construction on Phase 1 of the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Project (MAMSIP) on CO 94 starting in October. Construction will focus on expanding the westbound passing lane between North Franceville Coal Mine Road and US 24, as well as installing a new fiber line from US 24 to Enoch Road. This phase of the project is expected to be complete in Spring 2021 (weather dependent).

“We are excited to get started on the construction of the MAMSIP projects.  The Colorado 94 project will ensure greater efficiency and safety of military personnel, their families, the overall community and with transport of equipment to and from Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base and Fort Carson,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Richard Zamora.

Travel Impacts

Eastbound and westbound traffic will be shifted slightly to the south to provide crews a safe workspace to expand the westbound passing lane between mile points 4.1 and 5.2. Minimal impact is expected. 

CO 94 Project Overview

The CO 94 project comprises of three elements, each aimed at improving safety and efficiency along the corridor:

  • Addition of a westbound passing lane, increasing efficiency and safety conditions between North Franceville Coal Mine Road and US 24
  • Addition of an eastbound turn lane between North Franceville Coal Mine Road and Blaney Road, and installing a signalized “jug handle” intersection at Blaney Road, thereby removing slow moving traffic from the passing lane, and greatly improving efficiency of eastbound traffic
  • Installation of fiber optic cables from US 24 to Enoch Road, enabling future installation of ‘Intelligent Transportation System’ elements along the corridor and also enabling high speed communications for future planned development

CO 94 Safety Benefits

The safety enhancements relate to the potential to reduce crashes, improve infrastructure, and address physical deficiencies that contribute to crashes in the corridor. CDOT conducted a safety assessment for the corridor to evaluate the magnitude and nature of safety problems and analyze the causes of crashes.

The proposed transportation improvements are mitigation measures to reduce crashes and improve safety in the corridor. These improvements include a westbound passing lane, intersection signalization, and turn lanes to address and significantly reduce the number and severity of traffic accidents.

Project Contact Information

About the Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement Program Build Grant

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a program to deliver more efficient and safer mobility along I-25, Colorado Highway 94, South Academy Boulevard, and Charter Oak Ranch Road, enabling economic stability and development. The Military Access, Mobility & Safety Improvement program is partially funded through an $18 million BUILD grant award from the US Department of Transportation. The delivery of these improvements will strengthen and enhance the redundancy of strategic movement between the nationally significant El Paso County military installations of Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Station, and Schriever Air Force Base. 

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment has promulgated guidelines for construction activities. Gov. Polis announced an emergency, temporary stay-at-home order for all of Colorado, which went into effect Thursday March 26. With this order, the public is urged to #DoYourPartCO and avoid all nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

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!

Whole System. Whole Safety.

The CDOT Whole System — Whole Safety initiative is designed to heighten safety awareness by taking a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s operations, programs addressing driving behaviors, and  our built environment. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.