Inside the Powers Blvd Extension: 2026 Timeline & Jan 28 Public Open House Details
The Powers Boulevard Extension project is moving into a critical new phase this week. For residents of Flying Horse and northern Colorado Springs, the long-planned "gap" between Highway 83 and Voyager Parkway is about to see major boots-on-the-ground activity.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming construction, the public open house, and how this multi-year project will reshape the northern corridor.
📅 The Immediate Next Steps
The project is shifting from design to physical work. Early 2026 marks the beginning of several infrastructure milestones:
Utility Relocation (February 2026): Starting next month, crews will begin relocating waterlines and other essential services to clear the path for the new alignment.
Bridge Construction (Early 2026): Work begins on three key bridges that will allow Powers Boulevard to pass under existing neighborhood roads:
Flying Horse Club Drive Bridge
Ridgeline Drive Bridge
A new pedestrian bridge north of Flying Horse Club Drive.
Mainline Paving (2027–2030): Once the bridges and utilities are set, the actual roadway (the "mainline") construction is scheduled to take place over the next three to four years.
📢 Public Open House: Wednesday, Jan 28
If you live in the area, this is your best opportunity to see detour maps and ask the project team questions directly.
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Discovery Canyon Campus (1810 North Gate Blvd.)
Topic: Timelines, construction detours, and noise mitigation updates.
🚧 What to Expect: Traffic & Noise
Living through a major highway extension requires some patience. Here is the current plan for local access:
Flying Horse Club Drive: Will remain open throughout construction, though traffic will be shifted into a two-way detour (one lane each way).
Ridgeline Drive: This road will face a full closure during its bridge construction phase. The city has promised advance notice before the closure begins.
Noise Mitigation: A 3D noise study is ongoing. If noise levels are projected to exceed 66 decibels or increase by 10+ decibels, the city will evaluate the feasibility of noise barriers or berms.
📈 The Long-Term Outlook
While construction poses a short-term headache, the extension completes a vision first approved in 1997. By 2030, Powers Boulevard (State Highway 21) will serve as a full north-south expressway, offering:
Faster Commutes: Direct access from Hwy 83 to I-25 (via Exit 155).
Traffic Relief: Significant reduction in "cut-through" traffic on neighborhood streets and parallel routes like InterQuest and Northgate.
Connectivity: Improved access to the Northgate and InterQuest entertainment and retail districts.
Important Links for Residents:
Official City Project Page KKTV News Coverage PPRTA Project Details 
#NorthgateCOS#UrbanPlanning#PowersBridgeProject#CityofCOS#COSConstruction
