Colorado Springs, Colo. – Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) publicly responded on Monday to recent complaints from local merchants who say the ongoing 8th Street improvements have cut sales by as much as half. The utility’s spokesperson, Cassie Melvin, spoke with KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior on camera, reiterating statements released by CSU and city officials last Friday.
Utility’s response and support measures
Melvin emphasized that CSU has been in constant communication with business owners throughout the construction period. “We have been providing regular updates on project progress and making sure merchants are aware of the city’s support resources,” she said. “Our goal is to help businesses stay viable while we complete essential infrastructure work.”
According to Melvin, the utility is also coordinating with the city to maintain safe and convenient access to storefronts along the corridor. She noted that lane shifts, street closures, detours, and construction equipment sharing the road have created challenges, but CSU and city crews are working to mitigate disruptions.
Project details and timeline
The centerpiece of the 8th Street project is the replacement of a water main that runs between Motor City Drive and Cimarron Street. The aging pipe, which has required frequent repairs, is being swapped out to improve reliability for residents and businesses alike. CSU aims to finish the installation by the end of the calendar year, provided that weather conditions remain favorable.
Construction began in June 2025 and is expected to continue through the winter months. The utility has scheduled work to occur primarily during off‑peak hours where possible, and crews are deploying signage and traffic‑control personnel to guide drivers safely past work zones.
Merchant impact and city resources
Several merchants reported a sharp decline in foot traffic and sales, with some estimating losses of up to 50 percent since the project’s inception. In response, the city has made a range of assistance programs available, including temporary signage to direct customers to open storefronts, promotional campaigns highlighting affected businesses, and financial counseling services for owners seeking relief.
Melvin urged merchants to reach out to the city’s Economic Development Office for specific assistance. “We want to ensure that every business along 8th Street knows the resources at their disposal and feels supported during this necessary upgrade,” she said.
Looking ahead
Both CSU and city officials remain optimistic that the water‑main replacement will ultimately benefit the community by delivering more reliable service and reducing the likelihood of future disruptions. They ask residents to be patient and to use designated detour routes while construction continues.
For the latest updates on the project, merchants and residents can visit the Colorado Springs Utilities website or follow the utility’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
