The eastern side of Colorado Springs can start looking forward to safer and more efficient travel as the Marksheffel Road Improvement project kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 21.
The multi-year project starts with a 1.2-mile stretch between North Carefree Circle and Tamlin Road. The first phase of work consists of relocating utilities, installing new drainage facilities and constructing a stormwater pond.
“This project not only supports residents and businesses in this area, but it encourages future growth and economic vitality for this area and beyond,” Mayor Yemi Mobolade said. “It encourages job creation in eastern Colorado Springs, along with affordable housing to support that business growth.”
The long-term project will enhance safety, bring relief to Marksheffel congestion, improve mobility concerns and make the corridor more efficient for travelers.
“When corridor improvements are complete, this ultimately benefits all people regardless of their mode of transportation,” said Interim Director of Public Works and City Engineer Gayle Sturdivant. “We’re grateful to the City for finding a way to leverage general fund money with future Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority funding to start this work now rather than later.”
It will be two lanes in each direction with a center median, improved drainage, a new sidewalk on the west side, and a shared-use path on the east side of Marksheffel Road. The Marksheffel project will be broken up into phases to minimize traffic concerns and the impact to citizens in the area. City officials urge citizens to remain patient during construction when lane shifts and periodic lane closures start in mid-August 2023. Road surface improvements are projected to begin in late 2023 and 2024.
Travelers can text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
“Improving Marksheffel was at the top of the list for me as the District 6 representative and for me personally as I reside near this corridor,” said City Councilor Mike O’Malley.
More information is available at coloradosprings.gov/marksheffel. Community members can also call 719-645-4055 or email marksheffel@workzone.info with questions.