Project update: CSU begins construction on gas main
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) has begun work to replace and upgrade gas lines in this area. Starting Monday, January 13th, 2025 southbound lanes of N. 31st Street will be closed at W. Fontanero Street as CSU begins the next phase of installing a natural gas line. Until April 2025, southbound traffic will detour to 30th Street. Valley Road and Echo Lane are for local traffic ONLY and are NOT detour routes. Watch for the detour, lane closures, and cone zones. Please contact CSU if you experience any impacts with this project at 719-668-7765 or engage@csu.org.
About
The existing 66-year-old bridge has several structural deficiencies that need to be addressed. The structure has exceeded its expected service life and needs replacement. The bridge provides an important roadway link for the adjacent community and the Howbert Elementary School, located adjacent to the project area. The Pleasant Valley neighborhood backs up to Garden of the Gods Park and has limited access routes to accommodate normal traffic and access for emergency services.
Goals and Objectives for the Project:
- Ensure safety and accessibility by replacing the old bridge, improve hydraulic capacity and protect existing utilities while maintaining critical community roadway links for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Location:
The project is located at the intersection of Water Street and 31st Street in western Colorado Springs. Camp Creek is in the median of 31st Street and its function is to allow Water Street traffic to cross the creek. The location is about one mile north of US 24, 1.9 miles west of I-25 and just south of Garden of the Gods Park as shown on the map below.
Project Cost and Funding:
The overall project cost is estimated at $5 million dollars. The City of Colorado Springs was awarded $1.3 million dollars through a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) grant to cover a portion of the work. The remainder of the funding is being provided by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA).
Public Input
A public open house will be held in early 2025. Please check back for updates on how you can provide your input on this important project.