corridorHISTORY
The Powers Corridor has undergone extensive transformation from its earliest days as a rough trail to
the latest improvement project known as the LINK. CDOT recognizes the important role that the history
of the Corridor plays in the success of the LINK project, and we would like to share it with you. CDOT
has prepared the following brief timeline that highlights the historically significant events that have
defined the Powers Corridor.
- 1964
Powers Boulevard Corridor as a concept is adopted by the City of Colorado Springs on its Major
Thoroughfare Plan, designating it Powers Corridor.
- 1982
The El Paso County Commissioners and the Colorado Springs City Council adopt a joint resolution
recognizing the Powers Boulevard Corridor Map, establishing the future location of the Powers Corridor.
A Powers Boulevard Task Force is formed, consisting of representatives from CDOT, the City, the Pikes
Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) and El Paso County. The Task Force establishes a set of policy
guidelines for access along Powers Boulevard.
- 1984
Colorado Springs, the City of Fountain and El Paso County agree to cooperate on the planning, design,
funding and construction of Powers Boulevard and decide that the Corridor will extend from I-25 south
towards Fountain and north to I-25 at Northgate.
- 1986
The Metex Metropolitan District, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State
of Colorado, is created to construct approximately 7 miles of Powers Boulevard. When completed, the
roadway is dedicated to the City and to El Paso County.
- 1993
Powers Boulevard is officially adopted as a National Highway System (NHS) route.
- 1994-1998
An Environmental Assessment is conducted for North Powers, from Woodmen Road north to I-25. An extensive
Public Involvement Program is conducted in a cooperative effort between the City of Colorado Springs,
El Paso County, CDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration.
- 1999
CDOT and the City of Colorado Springs sign an agreement to transfer ownership and maintenance of Powers
Boulevard to CDOT. CDOT and La Plata begin design of the section from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway.
- 2000
La Plata begins construction of the section from Woodmen Road north to Research Parkway, while CDOT
participates by constructing the bridge over Cottonwood Creek. La Plata begins design of Powers Boulevard
from Research Parkway to Briargate Parkway. CDOT begins design of Powers Boulevard from Briargate Parkway
to State Highway 83. El Paso County begins construction on Powers Boulevard south of Fontaine Boulevard to
Mesa Ridge Parkway.
- 2001
In June, Powers Boulevard is connected to Mesa Ridge Parkway and SH 16 with completion of the section from
Fontaine Boulevard to Mesa Ridge Parkway by El Paso County. In December, Powers Boulevard is extended north
to Research Parkway with completion of La Plata’s and CDOT’s joint construction project.
- 2002
CDOT begins work on the Environmental Assessment of the portion of Powers Boulevard from Woodmen Road south
to I-25 via Mesa Ridge Parkway and SH 16 to determine what modifications are necessary to meet the travel
demand expected in 2025 (travel demand is updated to 2030 in 2005).
The following are various studies and projects that have recently been completed
along the Corridor.
- North Powers Environmental Assessment
CDOT has evaluated the northern portion of Powers Boulevard, from I-25 to Woodmen Road. The goal was to
identify important issues and to determine what actions should be taken. In January of 1998 the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a "Finding of No Significant Impact" (FONSI). This FONSI approved
the proposed action in the EA.
- Central Feasibility Study
CDOT completed an evaluation of the central segment of Powers Boulevard, from Woodmen Road to Drennan Road
in February 2001. The goal was to identify important issues and determine what the next steps should be.
This evaluation looked at the most likely interchange configurations. The results allow CDOT to begin
identifying the potential impacts that proposed improvements may have on existing communities and future
development along the Corridor.
- South Powers Feasibility Study
The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments concluded an initial Feasibility Study in August 2000 that
explored the extension of Powers Boulevard south of the Mesa Ridge Parkway to a connection with I-25, south
of the City of Fountain.
- Platte Avenue Interchange
Construction on the Platte Avenue Interchange was successfully completed in November 2001.
- Woodmen Road to Research Parkway
Construction on Powers Boulevard from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway was successfully completed in late
2000.
- Fontaine to Mesa Ridge Parkway
El Paso County has completed construction Powers Boulevard south of Fontaine Boulevard to connect with Mesa
Ridge Parkway at the south end of the Corridor. Construction was completed in June 2001.
- Research Parkway to Briargate Parkway
La Plata Investments has completed construction Powers Boulevard north of Research Parkway to connect with
an extension of Briargate Parkway at the north end of the Corridor. Construction was completed in June 2005.
CDOT has collected historic documents from local, federal, and public agencies that we would like to share
with you. These documents date back to 1964, and represent the projects that laid the foundation for the
development of the Powers Corridor. Please click on one of the four areas on the graphic below to view these
documents.
Please check back often and get LINKED!
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