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

One of the last steps to complete work at the Austin Bluffs interchange at Union Boulevard is to reconstruct the Union Boulevard intersection. Crews are trying to minimize the inconvenience of this construction activity by condensing the work into one weekend. Crews will work around the clock from Friday night, Sept. 26 to Monday morning, Sept. 29. Delays should be expected and alternate routes are advised.

Ramp traffic onto Union Boulevard from the Austin Bluffs overpass is 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.

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.

Ongoing Traffic Impacts:

Lane Reduction- Ramps onto Union Boulevard from Austin Bluffs Overpass

· The new ramps that take traffic from the Austin Bluffs overpass onto Union Boulevard will 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. 20, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

· The left lane of both east and westbound Austin Bluffs Parkway will be closed east of Union Boulevard to accommodate curb and gutter work.

Lane Closures - Union Boulevard
Saturday, Sept. 20, 4:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

· The right lane of northbound Union Boulevard will be closed south of Austin Bluffs Parkway to accommodate asphalt removal and replacement.

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 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. Union will be reopened by 6 a.m. Monday.

· 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.

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

Overnight Lane Closures - Austin Bluffs Parkway
Saturday, Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, 8 p.m. - 6 a.m.

· Various lane closures on both east and westbound Austin Bluffs Parkway on the bridge will be necessary to accommodate bridge deck work.

· Lane alignment on the bridge will change after this work is complete.

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, Green Mountain Falls and 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.

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