Colorado Springs Daily Briefing

Colorado Springs, CO — February 17, 2026 — From major road work on the east side to hospital hallways lit up by an Olympic visitor, here’s what’s shaping the day locally.

Hancock Expressway closure to snarl east-side commutes

Drivers who rely on Hancock Expressway near South Circle Drive should plan for delays and detours starting this week. As part of the long-running Circle Drive Bridges Project, the city is closing Hancock under Circle Drive for about four weeks so crews can demolish remaining pieces of the old bridge structures and continue replacement work.

The bridges in this area were originally built in the early 1960s and have been rated in poor condition after years of heavy use. The current phase focuses on removing an aging railroad bridge and finishing the new span that carries Circle over rail lines, Fountain Creek, Hancock and nearby trails. Officials say the work schedule could shift with weather, but the goal is to keep the full closure as short as possible while maintaining safety.

Northbound and southbound traffic will be routed to alternate corridors, including Circle Drive, Highway 24 and Fountain Boulevard. Commuters are encouraged to allow extra time, especially during the morning and evening rush, and to watch for changing traffic patterns near the work zone.

Olympic gymnast brings inspiration to local hospital

Patients and families at UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs got a lift this week from a special visitor with Olympic credentials. A well-known gymnast stopped by the hospital to meet patients, sign autographs and pose for photos, turning a routine Monday into something far more memorable for young fans and their parents.

The visit was part of a broader effort to bring high-profile athletes into local hospitals to encourage patients facing long recoveries or tough diagnoses. Staff members say moments like this can break up the stress of treatment and give kids a story to share long after they leave the hospital. The athlete also spent time with nurses and doctors, thanking them for their work and taking a brief tour of the facility.

Nonprofit events fill the late-winter calendar

A new round of community fundraising events is rolling out across the Colorado Springs area, offering chances to give back while getting out of the house. Recent listings highlight drives and benefits for hospice patients, local arts, youth programs, food security and more, many of them scheduled from late February into the spring.

Some efforts focus on hands-on donations, like blanket drives for veterans in hospice care, while others center around luncheons, gala evenings, fun runs and book sales that support education and social services. Organizers are encouraging residents to register early for popular events that traditionally sell out, and to check individual event pages for details on tickets, dress codes and volunteer roles.

Taken together, the calendar shows how active the local nonprofit scene remains, with organizers betting that even during a busy election and travel year, neighbors will still turn out to support causes close to home.

Sources

• https://krdo.com/news/top-stories/2026/02/16/hancock-expressway-under-circle-drive-in-colorado-springs-to-close-for-a-month-starting-monday/
• https://gazette.com/2026/02/16/hancock-expressway-at-circle-drive-to-close-as-part-of-bridge-replacement-project/
• https://krdo.com
• https://gazette.com/2026/02/15/colorado-springs-area-nonprofit-community-fundraising-events-starting-feb-15/