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Started in May 2015, the Cimarron/I-25
interchange replacement project has provided a consistent interface between
motorized travellers and heavy equipment. Other than intermittent overnight
closures
and lane restrictions, both Cimarron Street and the interstate have remained open
during the work. The photo above, taken in July 2016, shows the scene looking
northeast across the then-just-opened southbound on-ramp.
Cimarron/I-25 contractor issues press release: 'The end is near'
What may appear at a glance to be the river to
Hades is in fact a late-night view last April, looking southeast from the I-25
northbound
on-ramp above Fountain Creek, which was temporarily channelized for the
interchange project. The location is just west of Fountain's confluence with
Monument Creek, and in the background are the street lights on the Cimarron
Street bridge that goes over Conejos and the railroad tracks east of I-25.
Westside Pioneer file photo
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"The project team continues to maintain the quality and schedule during the final push toward completion," said Kassie Watson, project manager for Kraemer North America, the contractor for the Colorado Department of Transportation project.
"We are focused on continuing to minimize inconvenience to the public while safely protecting both the public and our crews. Thanks to everyone for your patience while we implement the final phase."
However, until project completion in December, activities that warrant occasional, minor traffic impacts will continue.
Overnight closures are expected on I-25 and Cimarron Street/Highway 24 to prepare for and conduct stone mix asphalt (SMA) paving operations through the end of August.
SMA paving is used on high-volume interstates throughout the U.S. SMA has, on average, 70 to 80 percent coarse aggregate in the mix, which provides better stone-to- stone contact and improves rut resistance and durability.
After SMA paving, final lane striping will be placed. To do so, overnight full closures on I-25 and on Cimarron will be required.
In addition the bridge maintenance work above Colorado Avenue will be completed.
Final aesthetics and drainage work will continue through the end of the project and may require intermittent lane restrictions. Some of these activities include:
- Storm drainage outfalls and inlet tie-ins
- Irrigation system installation
- Concrete staining
- Landscaping/seeding
The paved section of Pikes Peak Greenway Trail at America the Beautiful Park (east of Fountain Creek) is closed through mid-September for bridge work.
The gravel section of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail (west of Fountain Creek) remains open, but users are encouraged to watch for flaggers along the trail.
The public is asked not to remove barricades around biking and walking areas. “They are for your protection as well as for that of the construction workers,” a press release states.
Additional stream and trail improvements will continue. All trails will open this winter.
With a final push to completion, there will be more construction activity. Drivers are urged to slow down and pay attention.
These are the construction-zone speed limits:
- 30 mph on Cimarron between Eighth Street and I-25.
- 55 mph on I-25 between the Nevada/Tejon and Cimarron interchanges.
- 45 mph on I-25 between the Cimarron and Bijou interchanges.
From a press release by the Colorado Department of Transportation Cimarron/I-
25 project team
(Posted 8/23/17;
Transportation:
Cimarron/I-25)
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