University Relations

Austin Bluffs Interchange at Union Boulevard

Traffic and Neighborhood Access Impacts
Sept. 12 – Sept. 29, 2008
Lane Reductions and Full Closures of Union Boulevard

Drivers should expect detours and delays, and use alternate routes when possible.

Motorists should expect traffic impacts ranging from lane closures to full overnight and weekend closures of Union Boulevardas construction crews continue work at the intersection, speeding toward completion. Most of this work will be completed at night and on weekends to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public.

Please pay close attention to the lane configurations throughout the project, as they will be changing with the new construction. Also, for the safety of the traveling public and the construction crews, please abide by the 25 MPH posted speed limits on the overpass and throughout the entire project through its completion.

Ramp traffic onto Union Boulevardfrom the Austin Bluffs overpass has been experiencing delays and backups. We thank you for your patience as construction is still necessary to complete these ramps; in the meantime the ramps will remain open to one lane of traffic. Drivers should expect delays during this time and use alternate routes when possible.

Lawrence Construction and the City of Colorado Springs ask motorists continue to be aware of the impacts and pay close attention to the signage, project advisories and/or the project hotline for more details as these construction activities continue.

Ongoing Traffic Impacts:

Lane Reduction– Ramps onto Union Boulevardfrom AustinBluffs Overpass

• The new ramps that take traffic from the Austin Bluffs overpass onto Union Boulevardwill accommodate only one lane of traffic as crews continue to complete work on the shoulders of those ramps and the tie-ins to Union Blvd.
• Please pay attention to the posted speed limits and lane configurations throughout the project.
• Delays should be expected, and alternate routes are advised.

Details of traffic impacts and lane closures:

Lane Closures – Austin Bluffs Parkway
Saturday, Sept. 13, 4 a.m., ongoing through Sunday, Sept. 14

• The left lane of both east and westbound Austin Bluffs Parkway will be closed at Meadow Laneto accommodate reconstruction of the intersection.
• Traffic movement will be limited at the Meadow Lane intersection throughout this reconstruction. The only access from Meadow Lane onto Austin Bluffs Parkway at this time will be by a right hand turn. Alternate routes are advised.

Lane Closures – Union Boulevard
Saturday, Sept. 13, 4 a.m. ongoing through Sunday, Sept. 14

• Union Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in each direction to accommodate asphalt removal and replacement.

Overnight Full Closure – Union Boulevard
Sunday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• North and southbound Union Boulevard will be closed at the intersection to accommodate work in the roadway. Northbound Union traffic will be detoured eastbound on Austin Bluffs Parkway to Academy Boulevard. Southbound Union traffic will be detoured westbound on Austin Bluffs Parkway to Nevada Avenue.
• Detour signage will be posted, and police and flaggers will be on hand to assist drivers.
• Map of alternate routes available on www.SpringsGov.com.

Overnight Lane Closures – Austin Bluffs Parkway
Monday, Sept. 15, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

• Austin Bluffs Parkway will be reduced to one lane in each direction to accommodate curb and gutter work.

Overnight Lane Closures – Union Boulevard
Monday, Sept. 15 and 16, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

• Union Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in each direction to accommodate restriping and pipe work.

Looking ahead, details of traffic impacts and lane closures for:

Weekend Full Closure – Union Boulevard
Friday- Monday, Sept. 26 – 29
Work begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and will be complete by 6 a.m. Monday

• North and Southbound Union Blvd will be reduced to one lane starting at 8 p.m. Friday night. There will be no left turns allowed onto or from Union Blvd.
• 8 p.m. Saturday night, north and southbound Union Boulevardwill be closed at the intersection to accommodate work in the roadway. Northbound Union traffic will be detoured eastbound on Austin Bluffs Parkway to Academy Boulevard. Southbound Union traffic will be detoured westbound on Austin Bluffs Parkway to Nevada Avenue.
• Detour signage will be posted, and police and flaggers will be on hand to assist drivers.
• Map of alternate routes available on www.SpringsGov.com.

All construction impacts and closures are weather and resource dependent.

For information or questions on construction impacts, please call the project hotline at (719) 598-2605 or e-mail abpunion@vladimirjones.com.

The Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority was formed when voters in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, GreenMountain Fallsand El Paso County approved a one percent sales tax in November of 2004 to address infrastructure and transit needs in the region. The tax revenue is divided into three categories: 55% capital improvements, 35% maintenance, and 10% transit. The capital portion of the tax will sunset at the end of the year 2014.