New Traffic Signals and Fiber Upgrades Coming to US 24 in Colorado Springs

Construction is set to resume on a $1.89 million safety project on Wednesday, Nov. 18, bringing new traffic signals and infrastructure upgrades to US Highway 24 in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contract partner, Sturgeon Electric, are managing the installation of signals at the Stapleton Road and Academy Park Loop intersections.

The project, which began with utility potholing in September, is designed to enhance safety and traffic flow following traffic studies conducted by the department at both locations. In addition to signal installation, crews will perform fiber optic work between Judge Orr Road and Stapleton Road to support critical infrastructure.

The project also includes upgrading concrete curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and constructing trail connections for multimodal users. Bus routes in the area will remain unaffected by the construction.

Starting Nov. 18, work will focus on the US 24 and Stapleton Road intersection, where crews will drill caissons for the new signals, upgrade curb ramps, and install fiber optics. Operations will subsequently move to the Academy Park Loop intersection, with all work expected to continue through the end of December. At the Academy Park Loop site, pedestrians can expect sidewalk and crosswalk closures, with detour routes provided.

Motorists should anticipate single-lane and turn-pocket closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, though at least one through-lane will remain open in all directions. General working hours for the project run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Speed limits in the Stapleton Road work zone will be reduced to 45 mph. Officials do not anticipate delays but suggest drivers add 10 minutes to their travel time.

Construction is scheduled to pause after December and resume in February 2027 to install signal mast arms, perform striping, and implement new signage. Some nighttime work is anticipated during the 2027 phase. The project is expected to be complete by April 2027, pending weather-related delays.

Motorists Should Practice Caution in Work Zones

Transportation officials are urging motorists to practice caution in work zones by staying alert, avoiding mobile device use, and keeping headlights on. Travelers are urged to “know before you go.”

Real-time traffic information is available via the COtrip Planner mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple Store for iOS devices.