U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A small section of the New Santa Fe Trail on the Academy will close intermittently later this month through spring 2019 for construction of a roadway bridge that passes over the trail.
Most closures will last one day, however a three-week closure is scheduled for the beginning of March and again in October.
The tri-intersection bridge, which will be under construction, is approximately 0.7 miles north of mile marker 41 and 0.3 miles south of mile marker 42 on the trail. The closures are necessary for the safety of trail users during periods of heavy construction to include replacing the concrete down to the bridge’s girders.
Also, there will be three metal containers placed on the trail under the bridge Jan. 22-26 to create a 120-foot long tunnel with lighting for trail traffic for the duration of the project. Safety fencing will funnel trail users through each end of the tunnel.
Academy officials advise trail users to pay attention and proceed with caution through this area during the next year. Trail users will be required to dismount bicycles and horses when entering tunnel and should approach the construction area with caution and at slower speeds.
The Academy will notify the public at least one week prior to each closure. All closures will be posted to the Academy’s website, https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/hiking-biking-trails/.