Community Voices Concerns as Powers Boulevard Expansion Moves Ahead

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Residents of Colorado Springs turned out in large numbers to learn about the latest developments in the Powers Boulevard Extension Project, a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade that promises improved traffic flow but has raised concerns among homeowners near the proposed route.

On Thursday evening, the gymnasium at Discovery Canyon High School was filled with over 250 attendees, all eager to better understand how the expansion will affect their neighborhoods. The open house, hosted by city officials, aimed to provide clarity on the project’s scope and timeline. Colorado Springs city engineer Gayle Sturdivant addressed the crowd, highlighting that the initiative, decades in the planning, is entering a critical construction phase. The goal is to extend Powers Boulevard from Highway 83 to Voyager Parkway, providing another key connection to Interstate 25 (I-25).

“Powers Corridor has been in the plans since 1963, had an environmental assessment done in 1997, and we started construction in the early 2000s,” said Sturdivant. She noted that while most of the northern extension has been completed, the final major segment between Interquest Parkway and Voyager Parkway is now set to begin construction.

A noise study is the next step, with crews scheduled to begin work in August. The study will involve setting up microphones and weather sensors at four locations to document current noise levels, traffic activity, and environmental conditions. If the data shows high noise levels, officials stated that mitigation measures such as sound barriers may be considered, though final solutions will depend on location and feasibility.

Despite the informational event, some residents walked away with lingering doubts. Roberto Gallegos, whose home borders the planned route near Black Squirrel Creek, expressed concern over the impact on his quality of life. “It’s going to be pretty loud,” he told 11 News, adding that the elevation changes required for the new road and bridge make traditional noise barriers challenging. “They can’t necessarily put up an 80-foot wall to block noise in an area like ours.”

While the Powers Boulevard expansion is broadly seen as a much-needed transportation improvement, the meeting revealed that residents closest to the corridor remain cautious. The city’s next steps, particularly how it addresses environmental and community impact, will likely determine the broader public’s support for the project moving forward.