Funding To Help With Increased Traffic on I-25 and Highway 115

Rep. Doug Lamborn (Colorado Springs) announced today that he has secured $1 million in funding for two highway projects near Fort Carson. The projects are necessary to alleviate current traffic congestion as well as increase congestion that will come with the more than 10,000 troops that are scheduled to be moved to Fort Carson in the coming years due to the most recent BRACC (Base Realignment and Closure Commission). The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 House Transportation, Housing & Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill.

“While the expansion of Fort Carson will mean positive growth for the economy of El Paso County and surrounding areas, it will also mean more cars on our roads,” Rep. Lamborn said. “In funding for BRACC impacts, the Pentagon includes neither transportation nor infrastructure so this needed funding will help to cover some of those costs.”

$500,000 – I-25/State Highway 16 entrance to Fort Carson

This funding will accelerate the completion of a proposed interchange reconstruction project at I-25 and the State Highway 16 entrance to Fort Carson. Specifically, as a result of anticipated improvements to the State Highway 16, local streets in the vicinity will have to be realigned.

$500,000 – State Highway 115 (Corridor Improvements)

This funding would accelerate the completion of improvements to SH 115 adjacent to Fort Carson to accommodate higher volumes of traffic.

“We appreciate the leadership shown by Representative Lamborn to secure these dollars to support Colorado Springs Department of Transportation’s proposed interchange improvement project at I-25 and SH 16 near Fort Carson. These funds bring us closer to developing the full funding package needed for this critical project which will accommodate the increased traffic projected as a result of the transfer of troops to that facility,” said Tim Harris, CDOT Colorado Springs Region Director.

The THUD appropriations bill passed in the House late Tuesday night. The Senate is expected to consider the bill later this fall.

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