(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The second phase of construction on South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs is set to begin at the start of October.

The first phase was finished up last year, between Bijou Street and Airport Road. Up next will be improvements to South Academy Boulevard between Jet Wing Drive and East Fountain Boulevard.

“Construction’s going to be beginning in October and anticipated to last to spring of 2028. During this construction, it’s going to be very strategically put together in four phases starting from the south, working our way north,” said Gayle Sturdivant, the city Engineer and Deputy Director of Public Works.

Colorado Springs hopes tackling the second half of this project in chunks will minimize impacts to travel and business.

“Have that patience. You know, in the end, we’re hoping to have a much better product to enjoy in the future,” said Sturdivant.

Following headaches from last year’s construction in this area, the city also says businesses here should always have at least one entrance off of Academy, as well as the side streets and back roads.

“We encourage folks to continue to frequent those businesses and connect your business with them, and be mindful of construction and just be patient as we get through and do this important investment in the southeast portion of Colorado Springs,” said Sturdivant.

Considering it sees about 40,000 vehicles a day, two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction during peak times.

“This is funded by PPRTA. We always want to thank the voters for their support of the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and the named projects on there, and this is one of the named projects. So we’re excited to be able to get that completed and fulfill our commitment to the voters,” said Sturdivant.

They’ll be fixing pavement, curbs, gutters, and drainage.

“If you’ve been out there, you know that the pavement is in really poor condition. We also get a lot of localized flooding when we have storm events, so it doesn’t drain well. It’s just a really rough ride,” said Sturdivant.

On Sept. 9 from 5 – 7 p.m., the city will be hosting an open house about the project
at the Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center.