The Colorado Springs Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is closing North Cheyenne Canyon Road on weekdays in May, while construction crews work on a parking lot improvement project, according to a press release from the city.

The shutdown began early last week and lasts until May 28, and runs between the northern boundary of North Cheyenne Cañon Park and Helen Hunt Falls, the statement said.

The project aims to expand a gravel lot from 75 undesignated locations to 92 designated spaces at the intersection of North Cheyenne Canyon Road, High Drive and Gold Camp Road, the release said. Concrete curbs and gutters will also be added as well as paved surfaces and “accessible parking spaces”.

“These upgrades will provide some much-needed parking relief,” said David Deitemeyer, the city’s senior landscape architect. “While construction is in progress, however, visitors can expect North Cheyenne Cañon Park to be busy with very limited parking spaces.”

The trails will remain open to hikers, cyclists and horse riders. Deitemeyer encouraged visitors to use the parking lot at the Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center and walk or bike around the park until the project is complete.

The project, funded by the Trails, Open Space and Parks sales tax, cost $ 320,000. In 1997, voters approved a 1% sales tax to help provide $ 9.5 million to preserve open spaces, trails and parks, the statement said.

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