El Paso County, Colorado – Residents of the Security‑Widefield area have noticed that new sidewalks, curbs and repaving at the Main Street and Leta Drive intersection are complete, but the traffic signals remain covered in plastic wrap. The delay, county officials explain, is due to the Board of Commissioners needing to approve extra funding for a replacement signal, a vehicle detection system and a dedicated yellow turn arrow.
Why the pause?
The intersection sits in a busy corridor close to several businesses and the Widefield School District 3 offices. The project is part of a broader program to improve pedestrian safety near schools and neighborhoods. Crews discovered the need for the additional equipment only after electrical work began, prompting the request for more money.
County spokesperson John Miller said, “We are waiting for the commissioners to sign off on the supplemental budget so we can purchase the necessary materials and finish the installation.” He added that Leta Drive will stay closed at the intersection while Main Street remains open, and that construction is expected to be completed sometime next month.
Bridge work on Hancock Expressway
Drivers have also been asking about the ongoing lane closures and concrete barriers on Hancock Expressway under Circle Drive. The right‑hand lanes in both directions have been closed for several months after crews replaced four aging bridges.
The county’s explanation is that a new sidewalk is being installed on one side of the street, which limits visibility for drivers attempting to cross the barriers. Pedestrian and bicycle improvements are among the final touches scheduled for completion later this fall.
Nearby work on Las Vegas Street and the southern end of Circle Drive shows that replacing bridges that are more than 60 years old also requires upgrades to surrounding infrastructure, such as sidewalks and bike lanes.
What residents can expect
Officials ask drivers to continue using the left‑hand lanes and to obey signage directing traffic to merge. The county emphasizes that the temporary inconvenience is intended to create safer routes for students, families and cyclists once the projects are finished.
For the latest updates, residents can follow the El Paso County website or contact the county public information office.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
