Colorado Springs city officials announced Monday that the Willwood Tunnel – a one‑way shortcut beneath Interstate 25 linking the Broadmoor World Arena area to Janitell Road – will remain closed for several weeks. The decision follows a request from Harrison District 2 officials who said the tunnel’s traffic flow is aggravating congestion around Harrison High School.
Why the tunnel is being shut
City staff explained that the tunnel, which reopened in May after a two‑year closure, has become a bottleneck during peak school‑day periods. Vehicles using the tunnel add to the already heavy load on the surrounding streets, creating backups that spill onto the I‑25 interchange. In addition, a utility project on the south end of Circle Drive – near the same interchange – is further limiting lane availability and slowing traffic.
Impact on families and commuters
Parents of Harrison High School students have voiced concerns that the congestion makes morning drop‑offs and afternoon pick‑ups unsafe and stressful. “We need a solution that protects our children’s safety and keeps traffic moving,” said a local parent who asked to remain unnamed. The city’s transportation department is working with the school district and utility crews to develop a short‑term traffic‑management plan while the tunnel remains closed.
What the city is doing next
Officials said they will monitor traffic patterns closely and consider additional signage, temporary lane adjustments, and coordinated signal timing to ease the flow on Circle Drive and adjacent arterials. The utility project is expected to be completed within the next few months, after which traffic conditions may improve.
In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes such as Northgate Boulevard and the I‑25 frontage roads. The city will provide regular updates through its website and local news outlets.
Community response
Local businesses near the tunnel expressed mixed feelings. Some merchants appreciate the reduced traffic near their storefronts, while others worry about decreased customer access. The city council plans to hold a public‑input session next week to gather feedback from residents, business owners, and school officials.
City Manager John Doe emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure safe, efficient travel for families and commuters while the utility work proceeds. “Our responsibility is to keep our neighborhoods moving and protect our children’s daily routines,” he said.
Looking ahead
The Willwood Tunnel closure is a reminder of the challenges that growing Colorado Springs faces as it balances infrastructure upgrades with everyday traffic needs. Residents can stay informed by following the city’s traffic‑alert page and tuning in to local news updates.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
