The purpose of the Central Powers Boulevard project (from Woodmen Road to State Highway 16) is to reduce current and future traffic congestion on Powers Boulevard between Woodmen Road and State Highway 16. About seven miles of Powers Boulevard are considered congested today.

The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments 2035 Regional Transportation Plan has identified the need for additional transportation capacity on Powers Boulevard. The need for a freeway on Powers has been verified in a number of other studies, including the City of Colorado Springs’ East-West Mobility Study (2002) and the Powers Boulevard Mode Feasibility Study.

An environmental assessment (EA) must be completed in order for the project to be eligible for federal construction funding.