(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) is set to begin a water vault replacement on Academy Boulevard and there are some traffic impacts to be aware of. The work will begin on Jan. 6 to replace a water vault underneath Academy near its intersection with Meadowland Boulevard. The water vault being replaced was originally installed in the 1960s, and Springs Utilities said the new vault will improve the reliability of water service in the area, and allow Springs Utilities to better identify leaks on its water main. Over the past few years, Springs Utilities said it has installed multiple valves on its large water main underneath Academy, allowing this vault work to be performed without impacting the water service of any customers. However, there will be traffic impacts: Jan. 6-19, 2025 The left-hand lanes of both north and southbound Academy Blvd. between Flintridge Dr. and Meadowland Blvd. will be closed. Jan. 20, 2025 – July 2025 Academy Blvd., between Flintridge Dr. and Meadowland Blvd., will be reduced to one lane southbound and two lanes northbound. Traffic will shift to the northbound side of the road, with many turns in the area affected. These traffic impacts will be in place from Jan. 20, 2025, to July 2025, weather permitting, to replace the water vault. No planned impact to customers’ water service is expected. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Utilities Springs Utilities said it recognizes this project will significantly impact motorists in the area. Those traveling through this corridor are asked to drive carefully and slowly for their safety and the safety of the crews on site, and plan alternate routes if possible.