KRDO ABC Colorado Springs

Pueblo has begun initial steps for a bridge project to connect the two closed ends of 24th Street on the West Side, including a feasibility study and public open house. The bridge, which would cross railroad tracks between Atlanta Avenue and Adrian Avenue, is in the design phase with no timeline, cost estimate, or funding source determined yet.

CDOT repaired a hazardous bump on southbound I-25 in Colorado Springs after driver complaints. The bump, which caused vehicle damage concerns and was difficult to avoid, was flattened with asphalt or a black material. CDOT cited weather and traffic as primary factors in road deterioration and emphasized safety-focused maintenance priorities.

Part of South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs will close for the weekend to install a water line and complete paving. The ongoing $100 million project aims to upgrade the boulevard, including utility lines and intersections, but has caused temporary traffic disruptions and adjustments for nearby businesses.

A Cajun restaurant in Cañon City, Colorado, is providing free meals to Aspen Acres Fire evacuees and firefighters. Owners Marcus and Kelli Summerford, inspired by their hurricane evacuation experiences, partnered with a food truck to distribute meals daily. The effort is funded out of pocket or through donations, with plans for a fundraising event.

Evacuees in Pueblo County, Colorado, began returning home after the ninth day of the Aspen Acres wildfire. A checkpoint at Highway 165 and Cologne Way, staffed by the Colorado National Guard and Pueblo County deputies, verified residency before allowing entry. Residents like David Hill and Kameron Jordan shared their relief at returning after evacuating twice due to fires that damaged or destroyed homes.

New evacuations and pre-evacuations have been ordered for areas near the Aspen Acres Fire, which spans Pueblo and Custer counties. Residents of Red Creek Ranches (Pueblo County) and Wetmore (Custer County) are affected, with evacuees potentially increasing demand at the Pueblo County Recreation Center shelter. The fire is expected to take weeks to contain, and the shelter currently hosts about 20 evacuees.

Incoming desert air will bring hotter and drier conditions to Colorado this weekend, with red flag warnings and fire weather watches issued due to high fire danger. Winds will increase, particularly west of I-25, and temperatures are expected to reach the 90s and 100s. Smoke from large fires in Utah could also impact Colorado's air quality.

Repaving of Southmoor Drive in Fountain, Colorado, is nearly complete after a six-year closure due to erosion concerns. The city allocated $450,000 for the project, which includes recycled asphalt to reduce costs, and the street is expected to reopen before the 4th of July. The closure, from 2020, affected the neighborhood and local businesses, but residents like Tracee Spencer of American Legion Post 38 welcome the impending reopening.