31st Street Roundabout & Open House Sept 15th
The City of Colorado Springs recently announced details on two long-planned projects along 31st Street: a bridge replacement at Water Street starting fall 2026, followed by a roundabout at Fontanero Street starting in early 2027.
31st Street is a vital low-stress bicycle route connecting riders in Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs residents to the Foothills Trail and Garden of the Gods.
We’re glad to see investment coming to the Westside, and see these these projects that aim to “make walking and biking safer,” come to fruition. Yes, the final layout is unclear and construction closures and traffic shifts will undoubtedly impact travel through the area. For more details attend the open house in four days at Holmes middle school.
City’s 31st Street Project Website
31st Street Projects Open House Details
- What: 31st Street Improvement Projects Open House
- When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Holmes Middle School (2455 Mesa Road)
What We Know (and What We’re Looking to Clarify)
While we are excited about safety and mobility upgrades, we are still seeking clarity on the exact bike alignment and detour routing.
Do you have concerns or questions?
Email the project team at 31stProjects@EmailTheTeam.com and be sure to CC info@bikecoloradosprings.org us. We’re here to represent the community and would love to hear your questions or concerns.
The Current Plan: City project details state that “the project will include widened shared-use facilities through the intersection. Bicyclists may travel through the roundabout with vehicle traffic or use the widened pedestrian facilities.”
The Background: Concepts from a 2018 presentation featured a multi-use path down the center of 31st Street adjacent to Camp Creek, but that alignment was tied to the Camp Creek Drainage improvement project, a larger channel naturalization project. We are unsure if this this is part of the roundabout construction.
Our Key Focus
Trailhead & Corridor Access: Since the Water Street bridge construction is starting this fall (2026) we want to understand if this construction will directly impact continuous bicycle connectivity on 31st Street and access to the Foothills Trail, or will a dedicated detour be provided for trail users during construction?
North/South Traffic Reconciliation & Turning Conflicts: We want to know how the design plans to safely address continuous northbound and southbound bicycle traffic with the heavy volume of turning vehicles at the roundabout. Specifically, how will the layout protect riders from conflicts with north/east right-turning traffic and west/south left-turning traffic crossing bike movements?
Bicycle Detour Plans During Construction: Given that 31st Street is a primary connector for bike riders; what are the specific, low-stress detour routes for people riding bikes while the Water Street bridge and Fontanero roundabout are closed for construction?
Have Questions or Concerns?
Do you have input on this corridor or concerns about construction impacts? Email the project team at 31stProjects@EmailTheTeam.com and be sure to CC info@bikecoloradosprings.org. Bike COS is here to represent our you, our local community, and would love to hear your thoughts so we can bring them to the project team!
In the meantime, join us at the open house on September 15 to review the designs and advocate for safe Westside cycling! For additional background, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/31stProjects.
