On a weekday...avoid rush hour...both ways but to Denver in the AM and to Springs in the PM is prolly worse. The speed limit is 70 and if you're running even 75 in the fast lane at rush hour, you better get over! Its a serious racetrack...until it jams up.
I have heard that a lot of military people that work in Springs live in Pueblo and that drive might be getting worse, but I wouldn't think it would compare with Denver/Springs.
If its not out of your way, take 83 to SE Denver metro (i.e. Parker). Nice n easy drive.