The remains of an old landfill have delayed construction along South Academy Boulevard, probably stretching the timeline for work from 2½ to three years.

The debris from the landfill has been the most problematic along the northern portion of the project from Airport Road to Bijou Street, where crews have had to dig out the material to do remediation, City Engineer Gayle Sturdivant said. Work is also ongoing along Academy between Fountain Boulevard and Milton E. Proby Parkway.

“It’s just bigger than projected,” she said of the old landfill.

Crews have been doing extensive work underground under the road to replace water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure before laying pavement. Some of the utility work has also seen delays, in part because of the age of the lines, she said.

The construction project along South Academy is about 20% finished and running on budget, Sturdivant said. She expects the work could be completed by mid-2025.

As work progresses, the traffic patterns at South Academy and Pikes Peak Avenue will change Monday to allow crews to make utility connections. The work will require a complete closure of the eastern side of Pikes Peak Avenue for a month. The western portion side of Pikes Peak Avenue will be open. So drivers southbound on Academy will be able to turn right on Pikes Peak. Eastbound drivers on Pikes Peak will be able to turn right onto Academy, but they will not be able to cross.

“This is some short-term pain for a longer-term gain,” Sturdivant said.

Sturdivant asked drivers to be patient with construction.

“People have been getting impatient and sometimes driving recklessly,” she said.

Pedestrians crossing the construction at Academy and Pikes Peak are also at risk crossing into construction zones, where heavy-equipment drivers might not be looking for them, she said.

“It’s been a serious concern for us, for our contractors,” she said.

Pedestrians are encouraged to cross at Airport Road instead.

Contact the writer at mary.shinn@gazette.com or 719-429-9264.