I-25 SB 3rd lane opens
New NB Fillmore-GoG lane seen later this month

       One lane open, one to go.
       Rockrimmon Constructors, the contractor for the interstate widening project known as COSMIX, opened the new third lane on southbound I-25 between Garden of the Gods Road and Fillmore Street Aug. 31.
       “This major milestone comes shortly after a year of construction on COSMIX and just in time for Labor Day weekend traffic,” stated a COSMIX press release last week.
       Meanwhile, the corresponding northbound lane remains closed, with tentative plans now to open it by Sept. 18, Bill Badger of Rockrimmon Constructors said in a recent interview.
       The main work that remains is striping the lanes so that the far right lane becomes a temporary exit-only at Garden of the Gods Road, leaving just two lanes to continue north, he explained.
       While this work continues, the 45 mph speed limit in that area will remain in effect. “As always, the safety of our construction workers and the traveling public is a priority,” said Dave Poling, COSMIX project manager. “Drivers need to be sure to slow down and stay alert especially when in a construction zone to keep the area safe for everyone.”
       When the northbound third lane opens, the segment north from Garden of the Gods to Woodmen Road will be the only remaining segment that has just two lanes each way. With considerable construction still remaining on that portion, the three lanes there will not be open to the public until the project's completion in late 2007, Badger said.
       The opening of three lanes from Fillmore to Garden of the Gods has been long awaited. Rockrimmon Constructors actually completed the addition of a third north and south lane last fall, but weather and other issues have delayed the final topcoat and striping since then.

Westside Pioneer article