Paving & Improvements to Rock Island Trail East of Powers Blvd is Underway

The old Rock Island rail corridor that helped build Colorado Springs and provides trail connectivity to much of our city will now extend east of Powers Blvd. Construction has officially kicked off on a major 2-mile extension of the Rock Island Trail, bridging the gap between Sand Creek and Constitution Avenue in Cimarron Hills and east Colorado Springs.

What Does this Rock Island Trail Project Included?

• Brand-New Sand Creek Bridge: A 210-foot pedestrian and bicycle bridge carrying the trail across Sand Creek.
• Safer Peterson Road Crossing: A new pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacon crossing to make navigating Peterson Road safer.
• Corridor Accessibility: Widened, paved, continuous paths bringing us closer to a truly connected east-west spine.

Paving the way for a safe Powers Blvd Crossing

While we celebrate this progress, Powers Blvd remains a major barrier to east-west connectivity in Colorado Springs. Plans were previously proposed to connect the Rock Island Trail under Powers Blvd at Sand Creek, but this specific crossing had to go back into the design phase due to complex interactions with Sand Creek and FEMA for floodplain impacts.

The opportunities this connection under Powers will open up are endless. Re-Design is now underway but will require FEMA approval and Construction funding to be secured.

This work will coincide with the completion of additional segments of the Sand Creek Trail from Airport Road to the already constructed Platte underpass. This segment is currently under design, with a proposed design completion in 2027. Construction will be coordinated with other City projects in the area, with 2028 as the earliest estimated timeframe, subject to funding.

Future Planned Connections/Projects

Rock Island Trail under Powers Blvd at Sand creek – Currently in the design phase, subject to FEMA floodplain review and future construction funding meaning construction unlikely for 5+ years.

Sand Creek Trail Airport Road to Platte – All land and right-of-way acquired. Currently in planning and design with a target design completion in 2027 and a potential construction start in 2028, pending funding and project coordination.

For more information on these or other planned projects, closures or detours visit our interactive closure and detour map or check the Bike Streets app

Rock Island Extension Timeline

Construction is expected to take several months, with an anticipated wrap-up this coming winter. If you commute or ride through the area, keep an eye out for minor detours and construction zones as work progresses.

🔗 Stay Updated: Track construction milestones, detours, and project details directly at ColoradoSprings.gov/RITProject.