A Better 8th Street Connection May Be Coming
If you’ve ever tried to connect from the Midland Trail or Colorado Avenue to South 8th Street near the Walmart or Bear Creek Park you know that once you cross Highway 24, a challenge in it’s own right, 8th Street is a struggle to navigate by foot or by bike. This gap has long been identified as this section was included in PPRTA 2 as a project when put up to a vote in 2012
The City of Colorado Springs has begun a seven-month study of South 8th Street from Motor City Drive to Fountain Creek to assess the roadway’s immediate and long-term multimodal needs.
The 8th Street corridor is an important link for businesses and growing neighborhoods southwest of I-25 and US 24, as well as to downtown Colorado Springs. The street is on the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) Extension A list of priority projects approved by voters in 2012. More than 30,000 vehicles use this minor arterial road every day, but it has substandard infrastructure like curb, gutter, sidewalks and drainage. The area also needs improved trail connectivity to Bear Creek Park and the Gold Hills Mesa neighborhood.
The study will determine the best use of PPRTA funds to improve safety, mobility and multimodal access for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
“The roadway and associated infrastructure haven’t kept up with surrounding development,” said Aaron Egbert, project manager for the City of Colorado Springs. “We are studying traffic patterns, drainage and existing infrastructure to identify deficiencies and improvements. We’ll also develop concepts and cost estimates for possible future funding.”
Egbert said stakeholder input will help the project team identify critical issues and needs. The study, including public outreach, is expected to continue through May 2022, with construction likely in 2023.
To learn more about the study and to offer comments or ask questions, visit coloradosprings.gov/8thstreet.
