An ongoing water infrastructure project will cause delays and closures around the intersection of Austin Bluffs Parkway and North Academy Boulevard this May.

Colorado Springs Utilities says the work is part of the second half of a project to replace large diameter water valves in the area of Academy Boulevard. The first half of the project replacing two valves finished on April 24.

Utilities says the valves will both reduce the amount of customers affected when water valves are emptied for upkeep and help mitigate interruptions in service during the final phase of system improvements on Academy Boulevard, set for Spring 2025.

Utilities expects a full closure of eastbound Austin Bluffs between North Academy Boulevard and Siferd Boulevard from May 5 through June 7. The Academy and Austin Bluffs intersection will remain open with restricted turning onto eastbound Austin Bluffs.

CSU recommends planning alternate routes during the project.

While utilities says 90% of businesses are expected to retained water service during the project, some planned and unplanned service disruptions are expected to impact businesses in the area. CSU said that temporary resources like portable water and temporary connections will be used to help businesses stay open.