The United States Air Force Academy will begin a large scale construction project at the South Gate Bridge between January 2018 and June 2019. This construction activity will impact the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, with periodic trail closures.
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail will remain open through the construction site, but all trail users must use the metal connex box tunnel. All bicycles and horseback riders must dismount before entering the tunnel. Please be aware of your surroundings and reduce your speed when approaching the construction zone.
Periodic trail closures at the South Gate Bridge will be scheduled and posted in advance while construction takes place on the bridge over the trail. Check https://www.usafa.edu/visitors/hiking-biking-trails/ for information about closures (will be posted one week in advance). Most closures will last only one day, however a three-week closure is scheduled for the beginning of March and again in October. When a scheduled trail closure is in-place the trail will be blocked and closed only at the South Gate Bridge.
The tri-intersection bridge, which will be under construction, is located approximately 0.7 miles north of mile marker 41 and 0.3 miles south of mile marker 42 on the trail. Click here to open the closure map: South-Gate-Bridge-Construction-Closure-Map
All trail users are encouraged to check the Northgate Trailhead and Ice Lake Trailhead for information regarding construction and closure information and updates, as well as our website and the Academy’s website. These closures are to protect the life and safety of the public while construction activities take place on the bridge above the trail.
For questions regarding the construction project and trail closures please contact:
Construction Superintendent
Fred Langan, Superintendent
Medvolt, LLC
719-213-1332
Fred.langan@Tepa.com
El Paso County
Jason Meyer, Project Manager
719-520-6985
jasonmeyer@elpasoco.com