Traffic Impacts
- Graphite Drive at Marksheffel Road is closed for several months for major construction. Neighborhoods east of Marksheffel Road with entrances off of Graphite Drive and Zircon Drive will always have access. Zircon Drive will remain open during the Graphite Drive closure.
- Travelers should expect equipment and workers adjacent to the road.
- The posted speed limit is 35 mph.
- Trucks may be crossing Zircon Drive and Graphite Drive at Marksheffel Road.
- Follow signs and flagger directions when present.
Text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
About
There are many ongoing efforts by the City and development community to provide improvements along Marksheffel Road. Colorado Springs is leading an accelerated process to widen portions of the corridor now while continuing to pursue more funding for future improvements. Long-term goals include enhanced corridor safety and congestion relief.
North Carefree Circle to Dublin Boulevard
Expanding the existing two-lane section between North Carefree Circle and Dublin Boulevard is a City priority and may take several years to construct.
The first phase of construction focuses on the 1.2-mile section between North Carefree Circle and Tamlin Road. Initial work activities include relocating utilities, installing new drainage facilities, and constructing a water quality pond for storm water. Surface improvements between North Carefree Circle and Tamlin Road include grading, road widening with new curb and gutter, new pavement, and lowering the Barnes Road intersection about eight feet. Construction will continue through 2024.
City officials continue to seek funding to improve the remaining 1.5-mile two-lane section of Marksheffel Road between Tamlin Road and Dublin Boulevard in 2025 and 2026.
When corridor improvements are complete, Marksheffel Road will have two lanes in each direction with a center median, improved drainage, new sidewalk on the west side, and a shared-use path on the east side of Marksheffel Road.
Colorado Springs awarded Kraemer North America (KNA) the construction contract for the project’s first phase.
Project Benefits
- Enhance safety by providing designated space for drivers, walkers and cyclists
- Reduce congestion by adding an additional lane in each direction and turn lanes at intersections
- Improve mobility by eliminating congestion points
- Upgrade Marksheffel Road using current design and safety standards
- Improve driver sight distance by leveling out hills and dips in the roadway
Construction Updates
Text IMPROVE to 866-762-3640 to receive text alerts regarding construction updates and traffic impacts.
- May 28, 2024 update
- May 8, 2024 update
- May 3, 2024 update
- April 12, 2024 update
- March 19, 2024 update
- March 12, 2024 update
- February 15, 2024 update
- February 6, 2024 update
- January 4, 2024 update
- December 13, 2023 update
- December 4, 2023 update
- October 22, 2023 update
- October 16, 2023 update
- October 4, 2023 update
- September 15, 2023 update
- September 6, 2023 update
- August 14, 2023 update
- July 20, 2023 update
Background
Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) have had a vision for Marksheffel Road since 2006 when the Corridor Preservation Plan was adopted. The Corridor Preservation Plan established future roadway improvements, preserved the right-of-way, and set expectations for adjacent land uses. Over time, road improvements have been completed by the City, County or developers. Improving Marksheffel Road continues to be one of the highest regional priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will something be done to help with access out of the neighborhoods east of Marksheffel during construction?
Yes. As a proactive safety measure during construction, lane configuration changes are planned at the Zircon Drive and Graphite Drive intersections with Marksheffel Road. The City heard from concerned citizens in the neighborhoods and decided to make the following changes. Temporary solutions will be implemented over the next couple of months to improve access onto Marksheffel Road during construction.
Currently, it is difficult for vehicles heading west on Zircon Drive or Graphite Drive to turn left onto southbound Marksheffel Road during peak travel times. While vehicles are waiting to turn left, the traffic queue often blocks vehicles from making a right turn onto northbound Marksheffel Road.
The following temporary improvements are planned:
At Graphite Drive:
- The center median on Marksheffel Road will be striped as an acceleration lane to allow drivers to make the westbound left turn onto southbound Marksheffel Road more easily, providing room to make the turn and then merge with southbound traffic. Complete: October 2023.
- Temporary detour pavement will be placed on Graphite Drive approaching Marksheffel Road to widen the road to three lanes, providing two westbound lanes as vehicles approach the intersection. One lane will be designated for left turns, and the other for right turning vehicles. This will aid concerns the City has heard about queuing and allow more expedient right turns. Complete: October 2023.
At Zircon Drive:
- The center median on Marksheffel Road will be striped as an acceleration lane to allow drivers to make the westbound left turn onto southbound Marksheffel Road more easily, providing room to make the turn and then merge with southbound traffic. Complete: October 2023.
Will the speed limit be reduced on Marksheffel during construction?
Yes. The posted speed limit on Marksheffel Road between North Carefree and Tamlin Road has been reduced to 35 mph. Complete: August 2023.