Falcon has its own rush hour traffic now, thanks to the road construction projects that seem to have been scheduled simultaneously in and around Falcon.Within about a 1-mile radius of the intersection of Woodmen and Meridian roads, several construction projects have closed lanes and delayed traffic. All at one time, projects on Meridian, Woodmen, McLaughlin and Eastonville roads as well as U.S. Highway 24 are under construction to put in turn lanes, curbs and sidewalks.To the average motorist, it seems there is no coordination among projects to keep traffic moving smoothly. Natalie Sousa, public information officer for El Paso County, said a lack of coordinating is not true.ìOur goal is always to minimize impact to traffic,î Sousa said. ìWe are communicating on these projects,î adding that the county is mindful of the delays and does try to coordinate projects. However, she said that different factors, such as delays from private contractors, come into play that could cause some projects to overlap. Sousa said the county was doing as much work as possible before winter weather sets in. The congestion will not clear up in the near future. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 8, there will be lane closures on McLaughlin Road from Flower Road north through Tompkins Road for milling and paving operations, according a press release from the El Paso County Public Information Department. During that period of time, motorists can expect the following lane closures on McLaughlin Road: southbound from Eastonville Road to Tomkins Road; northbound from Woodmen to Eastonville roads and northbound from Flower Road to Eastonville Road. Traffic will be rerouted to adjoining roads.The county is asking motorists to reduce speed, use caution, watch for workers, equipment, signs and barricades and plan for added travel time because of detours.A separate press release from HEI Civil construction company announced that left lanes in both direction at the Old Meridian Road intersection will be closed for about three weeks beginning Sept. 20. This will allow workers to install the right-in/right-out access-only median. The press release urges motorists to use caution and be prepared to stop when indicated. The speed limit will be reduced by 10 mph.
