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Traffic Advisory:  Beginning at 7a.m. on July 26th the turn lane from eastbound Drennan Road merging onto southbound Academy will be closed .Click here to view the complete Advisory.

Project Overview

The Pikes Peak region faces many challenges in keeping transportation improvements on pace with rapid population growth. National studies comparing travel times show the region has some of the highest commute times in comparison to other similar-sized communities. Citizen surveys have consistently shown addressing this problem is a top priority. The Colorado Springs City Council authorized the East-West Mobility Study to explore options for improving east-west travel. The study, completed in 2002, identified transportation issues and community interests and evaluated a full range of mobility options to protect the integrity of neighborhoods and improve east-west travel. An important recommendation of the study was to study Drennan Road corridor alternatives to find a direct route between I-25 and Powers Boulevard and the airport.

The South Metro Accessibility Study (SMAS) was a joint initiative of the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County to look at short and long term improvements to transportation corridors in the southern portion of the metro area. The final result of the study was to recommend phased improvements, connecting State Highway 115 and I-25, to Powers Boulevard via the Academy Blvd./Drennan Road corridor.

Options proposed in both the East-West Mobility Study and the South Metro Accessibility Study needed a funding mechanism. In November 2004, Pikes Peak area voters approved a one cent sales tax creating the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA). The ballot initiative included the project known today as Milton E. Proby Parkway. For more information about the PPRTA, visit www.pprta.com.

The Project Action Plan

  • Improves east-west mobility in the southeast part of the city
  • Provides free-flow access between Interstate 25 and Powers Boulevard and the Airport
  • Provides green space and trail with direct access to neighborhood and regional trails and parks
  • Relocates traffic from Drennan Road to the new
    Milton E. Proby Parkway between Academy Boulevard
    and Hancock Expressway
  • Improves safety for the traveling public and pedestrians
  • Facility designed to minimize noise by depressing the roadway from Academy Boulevard to just East of Hancock Expressway
  • Improves north-south capacity and traffic flow on
    Academy Boulevard
  • Improves drainage along Drennan Road, Academy Boulevard and Proby Parkway
  • Includes an improved Jet Wing Drive Connection for improved access from the Deerfield Hills neighborhood to Academy Boulevard