Powers and Airport intersection to be affected by construction until 2026

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced an upcoming major construction project that will affect two major roadways in Colorado Springs.

The project will take place in east Colorado Springs, to replace the existing Powers Boulevard and Airport Road intersection (Colorado Highway 21/ US Highway 24) starting the week of Monday, June 24.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2026. Construction activity will take place adjacent to the highway with minor traffic impacts on Powers Boulevard and Airport Road during the first year of construction.

“The new interchange will be built north of the existing signalized intersection without disturbing current traffic patterns during most of the construction. This is one of the Region’s busiest intersections and keeping traffic moving outside of Peterson Space Force Base is essential,” said CDOT Region 2 Transportation Director Shane Ferguson.

Updates include realigning Airport Road, adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and improving the Stewart Avenue and Aiport Road intersection. Some other work includes bridge and ramp construction, placing embankment, concrete paving, overhead sign structure installation, new traffic signals, and permanent water quality ponds.

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) design was selected for the location to address congestion and improve safety for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.

When driving a DDI, motorists proceed through a traffic signal upon entering the interchange and simply follow their lane to the opposite side of the roadway. At a diamond intersection, left-turn movements are eliminated which minimizes T-bone accidents.

Construction will take place during daytime work hours ranging from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some night and weekend work possible.

As always, CDOT reminds drivers to expect traffic impacts through construction zones.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.