Busiest Intersections in Colorado Springs (2026 Traffic Volume Report)
Colorado Springs is growing quickly, and that growth brings heavier traffic every year. The busiest intersections in Colorado Springs have become daily trouble spots for commuters, shoppers, and visitors moving through the city.
According to the 2026 Colorado Springs traffic volume report, several major crossings now experience serious backups during rush hours. Drivers often face traffic congestion in Colorado Springs, especially along Academy Boulevard and Powers Boulevard.
These locations are also part of the busiest roads in Colorado Springs, where delays and safety concerns continue to rise. Understanding these intersections helps residents plan smarter routes and supports long-term Colorado Springs transportation planning for a smoother future.
Rising Congestion in Colorado Springs
Traffic has surged because of city traffic growth across the region. More commuters travel daily. More visitors arrive year-round. This creates traffic congestion in Colorado Springs that many drivers did not face a decade ago. Roads like Academy and Powers now feel packed.
You often notice the worst jams during morning and evening commute periods. These rush windows cause serious commuter delays in Colorado Springs. The pressure builds around high vehicle volume corridors, especially where shopping zones and schools sit close together.
Top 5 Busiest Intersections in Colorado Springs (2026)
The busiest intersections in Colorado Springs are not random. They sit where traffic streams collide. These crossings show the highest daily vehicle counts in the city. Drivers see constant backups during peak traffic hours.
Here is a simple table showing the most crowded junctions from the 2026 data and their main causes.
Intersection Main Congestion Cause Key Traffic Type
Academy & Platte Retail + through traffic City commuters
Academy & Austin Bluffs Schools + shopping flow Local residents
Powers & Research Suburban expansion Tech corridor traffic
Nevada & Garden of the Gods Tourism + downtown access Visitors + workers
South Academy & Airport Airport + military travel Base commuters
These five spots define today’s traffic hotspots Colorado Springs drivers talk about most.
Academy Blvd & Platte Ave
This crossing remains one of the busiest intersections in Colorado Springs because it connects key parts of the city. Platte Avenue carries steady east–west movement. Academy carries nonstop north–south travel. That mix creates heavy turning volumes and signal wait times.
Drivers often deal with Academy Boulevard traffic issues here because shopping centers line both sides. During busy afternoons, the intersection becomes a classic roadway bottlenecks zone. The intersection congestion levels stay high almost all day.
Academy Blvd & Austin Bluffs Pkwy
This junction serves busy neighborhoods, schools, and retail hubs. Many locals call it one of the most congested roads near Academy Blvd. When parents drop kids off or shoppers rush in, traffic locks up quickly.
The area also faces rising accident risk in busy intersections because of quick merges and constant lane switching. City engineers continue studying traffic signal improvements here. This crossing stays among the busiest roads in Colorado Springs year after year.
Powers Blvd & Research Pkwy
Powers Boulevard has changed dramatically. New housing and business growth pushed traffic higher every year. That is why Powers Boulevard commuter traffic is now one of the city’s biggest concerns. At Research Parkway, the flow becomes intense.
This intersection sees rapid suburban movement and heavy work commuting. It represents one of the most active high vehicle volume corridors in northern Colorado Springs. Many residents call it a daily test of patience.
Nevada Ave & Garden of the Gods Rd
This area mixes tourism with local commuting. Drivers heading downtown meet visitors heading toward the park. That creates strong tourist traffic near Garden of the Gods almost every season. The result is one of the top downtown Colorado Springs intersections for congestion.
The city reports higher backups during summer weekends. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions nearby add to pressure. It remains one of the busiest intersections in Colorado Springs because travel demand never really stops.
South Academy Blvd & Airport Rd
This crossing stands out because it links travelers, workers, and military traffic. The route supports Colorado Springs Airport commuter traffic and steady Peterson Space Force Base traffic flow. That combination brings nonstop congestion.
Heavy trucks, flights, and base schedules create unpredictable backups. The city continues reviewing commuter flow data here. It remains one of the strongest traffic hotspots Colorado Springs on the southeast side.
Why These Intersections Are So Busy
The main reason is simple. Too many cars funnel into places built for fewer drivers. Rapid commercial development along Academy Boulevard increased pressure on signals and lanes. Growth outpaced upgrades in several corridors.
Another reason involves limited alternatives. Many drivers must use the same routes daily. That lack of choices creates constant backups. Without better expanded alternative routes, congestion will stay common at the busiest intersections in Colorado Springs.
Future Improvements and City Planning
City leaders are working on Colorado Springs transportation planning solutions now. One major focus is smart traffic signal coordination, which can reduce stops and smooth traffic flow. Better timing helps ease long waits during rush hours.
The city also studies lane expansions and intersection redesign in key areas. These upgrades may improve safety and reduce crashes. However, funding and space remain challenges. Solving these problems will take years, not months.
Conclusion
The 2026 data makes one thing clear. The busiest intersections in Colorado Springs shape daily life for thousands of drivers. Places like Academy and Powers will stay crowded as the city continues growing.
If you drive here, planning ahead helps. Avoid peak traffic hours when possible. Stay alert at major crossings. Colorado Springs is expanding fast, and smart changes now can make future travel smoother for everyone.
Meta Description
Discover the busiest intersections in Colorado Springs in 2026, traffic hotspots, delays, and future road improvement plans.
FAQs
What are the biggest issues facing Colorado Springs?
Biggest issues facing Colorado Springs are housing shortages, rising traffic congestion, and infrastructure strain are major challenges as the city grows fast.
Is Colorado Springs booming?
Yes, Colorado Springs continues to attract new residents and development, making it one of Colorado’s strongest growth hubs.
Is Colorado Springs a fast growing city?
Yes, it remains one of the largest and steadily growing cities in Colorado with nearly 500,000 residents.
Did car accidents increase in Colorado?
Yes, traffic deaths increased in 2025, including a rise in impaired driving fatalities.
What highway in Colorado has the most accidents?
Interstate 70 and multiple stretches of I-25 rank among Colorado’s deadliest highways.
What is the #1 city for fatal car accidents?
National rankings vary yearly, but large cities like Memphis and Albuquerque often appear highest for fatal crash rates.
What are 90% of car accidents caused by?
Most crashes are linked to human error such as speeding, distraction, or impaired driving.
What state is #1 for road rage?
Studies often rank California or Texas among the worst for aggressive driving incidents, depending on the year.
What US city has the highest DUI rate?
DUI rankings change often, but cities like Albuquerque and Phoenix frequently rank high for DUI-related incidents.
