I-10 east of Tucson to close overnight March 8 for bridge demolition

If you have travel plans in the southeastern part of our state this Friday night/Saturday morning, you’ll really want to pay attention to this…

I-10 will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. Friday, March 8 until 6 a.m. Saturday, March 9 for the removal of the old Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge.

That means drivers in the area will need to either alter their travel plans and avoid this segment of I-10 or prepare for a 67-mile detour.

Taking the detour
During the demolition, motorists will be guided by signs through the detour around the I-10 closure, which is between SR 83 east of Tucson (exit 281) and SR 90 west of Benson (exit 302) – see map below. Drivers can expect up to two hours of additional travel time.

• Eastbound I-10 traffic will detour to SR 83 (Exit 281), travel south to SR 82 in Sonoita, turn left (east) on SR 82 to the SR 90 intersection, turn left (west) onto SR 90 and follow signs to reconnect with I-10 near Benson (Exit 302).
• Westbound I-10 traffic will detour from the interstate at SR 90 (Exit 302), travel east to the SR 82 intersection, turn right (west) on SR 82 and travel to SR 83 in Sonoita, turn right (north) on SR 83 to reconnect with I-10 at Exit 281.

If you’re traveling that night, you can find a list of 24-hour fuel station locations HERE.

Some background…
Readers of the ADOT Blog may remember that this same segment of I-10 was closed overnight about two years ago for the demolition of the old Marsh Station traffic interchange (see the amazing video HERE and HERE).

That bridge removal back in 2011 was part of the same project that’s necessitating the removal of the Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge this coming Friday.

Both the old Marsh Station interchange bridge and the UPRR bridge were approximately the same height, requiring trucks over 15 feet in height to use State Routes 83, 82 and 90 as a 67-mile detour off I-10.

A new Marsh Station traffic interchange opened on Dec. 20, 2010. It was constructed to accommodate today’s taller trucks with a clearance of 16 feet and five inches, however the taller trucks haven’t been able to use the segment of I-10, yet...

When the old UPRR bridge is removed, more trucks will be able to pass through the new traffic interchange and will no longer need to use the costly and time consuming detour. Most of the taller trucks that once needed to detour from I-10 will no longer use SR 83, freeing the scenic highway and the small town of Sonoita of congested truck traffic.

Find more on the project and detour on our website at www.azdot.gov/I10marshstation.

SR 24 construction requires Santan traffic switch this weekend

SR 24 project area.

It’s been a while since we checked in with the SR 24 out in the East Valley.

You remember this project, right?

Also known as the Gateway Freeway, SR 24 is designed to span one mile between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Ellsworth Road. When construction is finished in fall 2013, this new freeway will feature a freeway to freeway interchange, complete with elevated ramps connecting to and from Loop 202 near Hawes Road.

Crews have been at work for the past six months and now we’re headed toward a project milestone…

A traffic switch is coming
This weekend, Loop 202 (Santan) will be closed between Power and Elliot roads so crews can install temporary concrete barrier and restripe the road – the closure is expected to last through 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.

The work is necessary to prep the roadway for an upcoming long-term detour that will move westbound traffic onto the eastbound lanes of Loop 202 between Warner and Hawes roads.

After this Sunday, both east and westbound drivers will be using two lanes each on the eastbound side of Loop 202. The traffic switch will allow crews to continue constructing the ramps and bridges that will connect Loop 202 to the new one-mile stretch of SR 24.

This traffic switch is the first phase of ramp and bridge construction. In phase two, eastbound traffic will be detoured onto the westbound lanes of Loop 202 in Mesa. These detours will be in place until late summer 2013.

When work is finished drivers can look forward to…

• A new freeway to freeway interchange, a widened Loop 202 and the first mile of the new SR 24 ending at Ellsworth Road. 
• Enhanced access from southeast Maricopa County to northeast Pinal County. 
• Additional routes into and out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and its surrounding businesses and schools. 

For more on this project, visit the SR 24 webpage.

Public input helps shape San Pedro River Bridge replacement project

Public involvement truly helps shape ADOT projects … just ask residents living near the San Pedro River Bridge.

Their local bridge sits on SR 90 and is slated for replacement – construction has already begun, in fact.

But, way before work got started earlier this week those residents took part in several ADOT public meetings where they were given a couple of different construction schedule alternatives.  

One option called for a full closure of SR 90 at the San Pedro River…

That choice would have allowed the bridge replacement to wrap up in a six-month time frame, but it would have meant very lengthy detours for residents. The option was eliminated after comments from residents indicated a preference for a longer project schedule that would be able to keep SR 90 open through the duration.

18-month construction schedule – no extended full closure

“We’ll have a six-month construction period, six months of shut down for the summer migratory bird season in the San Pedro riparian wilderness area, which is where the bridge project is, and then six more months to finish the bridge,” says ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer C.T. Revere.

What else do drivers need to know?

This bridge, constructed in 1955, will be replaced by a new structure featuring wider traffic lanes and shoulders that meet current standards and provide adequate space for vehicles – including emergency responders, bicycles and pedestrians.

Construction on the $7 million bridge replacement project started Oct. 1 and once work is complete (by spring 2014), drivers can expect:

• A new 44-foot wide bridge that replaces the existing 26-foot wide bridge.
•  Two 12-foot traffic lanes and 10-foot shoulders in both directions.
• Improved guardrails, and roadway and bridge approaches.
• A new bridge that’s six feet higher than the existing structure (this is to comply with 100-year floodplain requirements.

Drivers also should take note of this project’s impact on traffic…

• A temporary traffic signal will guide alternating traffic through a single shared lane during construction. Wait times are expected to be 5 to 8 minutes, with delays of up to 15 minutes possible. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
• Some overnight closures of SR 90 will be required for the safety of the public. Those scheduled closures will be announced in advance. 
• ADOT intends to have one lane open in each direction with no traffic signal during the season that construction work is shut down.

More information on this project – including maps, traffic alerts and construction fact sheets – can be found on the SR 90 San PedroBridge replacement project webpage.

Buckled pavement closes US 89 south of Page

By now, many of you have probably already seen photos of US 89…

A 150-foot section of the road “buckled” yesterday morning (Feb. 20) in an area about 25 miles south of Page – the cause of the highway damage may have been a geologic event.

While it will take a while to assess what happened and figure out how to fix it, we can tell you now that ADOT is currently conducting a geotechnical analysis that will determine the scope of highway repairs to be made.

Once a determination is made, ADOT will utilize emergency contract procedures to restore the highway.

For the foreseeable future, the section of US 89 will remain closed in both directions between US 89A, which takes motorists west toward Jacob Lake, and the US 89 junction with SR 98 in Page.

US 89 buckled pavement closure.

Motorists will use an alternate route to and from Page while this section of US 89 remains closed. That alternate route detours motorists on US 160 to SR 98, which is about 45 miles longer than the direct route (see map for detour).

Moving forward
ADOT funds will be used to cover the repair costs. At a future date, ADOT will seek reimbursement for the repair costs through the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Repair Program. The reimbursement process does not hinder action to repair the highway.

Keep informed
If you would like to receive email updates on US 89, you can subscribe online.

We will continue to provide updates as information is available here on the blog, on Facebook and on Twitter. As always, drivers can get details on highway and traffic conditions statewide at www.az511.gov.

Multiple transportation projects progressed in 2012

ADOT worked on transportation projects
throughout the state in 2012.

Here we are, already three days into this New Year, and we’re still reminiscing about 2012.

You can’t really blame us for looking back, though. Last year was a busy one for ADOT and it was full of major transportation accomplishments!

Yesterday we recalled the 2012 transportation highlights from just around the Valley, but today we’re shifting our focus to the rest of the state. Several projects took shape last year and many improvements could be seen all around Arizona. Here are a few notables...

I-10 Widening between Phoenix and Tucson
ADOT completed two widening projects on Interstate 10 that connect the state’s two largest metropolitan areas — Phoenix and Tucson. A $31.3 million project (I-8 to SR 87) improved a 12-mile segment of I-10 between Casa Grande and Picacho in Pinal County and a $31 million project (Val Vista to Earley Roads) widened a 10-mile stretch within the Casa Grande area. Both projects increased the capacity of the highway from two lanes to three in each direction.

I-17/SR 69 Cordes Junction Traffic Interchange
ADOT continued to make substantial progress on its largest project currently in northern Arizona. The Cordes Junction traffic interchange is undergoing a major reconstruction at the junction of I-17 and SR 69. After beginning construction in August 2011, ADOT is entering the final stages of this $50.9 project to improve safety and traffic flow at this busy intersection. This month, ADOT completed work on a new flyover bridge, which will carry northbound traffic headed to the Prescott area over I-17 and connect directly to northbound SR 69. The project is expected to be completed in June 2013.

US 93 Widening
A popular travel route between Phoenix and Las Vegas, ADOT continued its commitment to widen US 93 in 2012. A seven-mile segment (Southbound Wagon Bow Ranch and Southbound Deluge Wash) of US 93 north of Wikieup was finished in July. The $25.9 million project provides motorists with new southbound lanes and another completed section of four-lane divided highway.

I-17 Munds Park Traffic Interchange
Twenty miles south of Flagstaff, the I-17 Munds Park traffic interchange underwent a complete reconstruction, including the replacement of two bridges that were built in 1958 with two new bridges measuring 100-feet long (replacing the old 25-foot-long bridges). After completing the northbound bridge in 2011, ADOT replaced the southbound bridge in 2012 and the $10 million project is nearly complete with all lanes open. Final paving will take place next summer.

I-10/SR 90 Traffic Interchange
After nearly two years of construction, motorists traveling on I-10 through Cochise County are enjoying a new overpass bridge at SR 90 near Benson. In addition to constructing the new bridge, crews straightened the roadway west of the interchange to eliminate sweeping curves, widened SR 90 south of I-10 and constructed new access roads north of the interstate, all part of a $27.6 safety improvement project.

SR 64 Tusayan Improvement Project
ADOT completed a $4.1 million safety improvement project last summer on SR 64 through the town of Tusayan, which sits along the route leading to the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Improvements included widening the five-lane divided highway to allow for raised medians, bus pull outs, several crosswalks and two new roundabouts.

From the ADOT Archives: A 1972 public meeting

From the way we build roads, to the cost of materials and even the number of cars driving on the street – it’s safe to say things have changed since 1912 when the Arizona Highway Department was first established.

But you don’t just have to take our word … we’ve got plenty of pictures to prove it.

We combed through our archives and decided to periodically post these photos from the past in a new blog series we’re calling, “From the ADOT Archives.”

To get things started, we’re sharing these photographs that were taken at an ADOT public hearing on the evening of April 26, 1972.

As citizens from in and around Oracle, AZ gathered to discuss what were then just proposed changes planned for a stretch of SR 77 between Oracle Junction and Mammoth, President Richard Nixon was serving out his first term in office and “The French Connection” had just been named best picture during the 44th Academy Awards ceremony held about two weeks earlier.

You can see from the crowd shot above that there was quite the turnout.

Many of those in attendance probably had comments to make, but not before seeing a presentation that aptly summed up the road improvements being planned (see photos to the right and note how information was showcased before the days of computers and PowerPoint).

In the photo at left, members of what we’re guessing is the project team, sit at a long table. They’re no doubt discussing with audience members the map and diagram taped up to the wall behind them…

Here we are 40 years later and while a lot has changed at ADOT since these photos were taken, many things remain the same, including the fact that we still hold public hearings to share plans and get feedback from the public.

New I-17 ‘flyover’ bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

Just in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays, ADOT has completed the new Cordes Junction ‘flyover’ bridge, which is now open to traffic!

This new overpass lifts northbound I-17 traffic headed to the Prescott area over the highway and connects directly to northbound SR 69.

The busy Cordes Junction traffic interchange sits right between Flagstaff and Phoenix. Because it was built nearly 50 years ago – when traffic volumes were not nearly as large what they are today – ADOT has been working to remake it into an updated, modern interchange. When completed, the new design will make it easier for drivers to connect to other northern communities, including Prescott, while improving traffic flow and safety.

A major accomplishment
A big component of the $50 million project was the completion of the new flyover bridge. Due to the outdated design of the previous interchange, slower local traffic destined for the businesses and residences in the Cordes Lakes area, were forced to mix with the high speed traffic at this busy interchange, which serves over 40,000 vehicles per day.

“Completing the new flyover bridge is a major milestone on this Cordes Junction traffic interchange reconstruction project,” said Prescott District Engineer Alvin Stump. “The interchange was built almost 50 years ago when traffic volumes were much lower and it mixes local and through traffic, resulting in congestion and delays. This updated interchange will not only be able to handle the future growth in this area, but also make it safer for all drivers.”

More on the project

After beginning construction in August 2011, ADOT is entering the final stages after having completed over 80 percent of the project. ADOT is on target to complete the project as scheduled by June 2013.

The remaining major work yet to be completed includes opening the new southbound Big Bug Bridge and east roundabout near the McDonalds restaurant, and repaving I-17 and SR 69.

Improvements to the interchange will increase accessibility to local businesses, provide more efficient traffic movements for those traveling through the area, and prepare for future traffic demands. The project includes seven new bridges, three local roads (Copper Star Road, Arcosanti Road, Stagecoach Trail), installation of two roundabouts, as well as improvements to local storm water drainage.

For details on the project’s progress so far, check out our previous videos and blog posts or visit the project web page.

Transportation Defined: Climbing Lanes

A climbing lane on SR 87.

Next time you’re traveling uphill only to get stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle or truck, you’ll appreciate the concept of a climbing lane.

A climbing lane is an “extra” lane that’s used for short distances in certain areas to improve safety, ease congestion and prevent delays. These lanes help facilitate the passing of trucks and slow moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained steep grades.

A few more facts:

• A climbing lane looks the same as any other lane and is the same width. 
• Climbing lanes usually are used on uphill segments of highway that have a steep grade (usually 5-6 percent grade). 
• Climbing lanes typically are marked with signage advising slower traffic to keep right. 

“Climbing lanes help reduce collisions and backups by providing slower moving trucks and vehicles an additional, safe lane to travel in. This reduces conflicts between slower moving trucks and passing vehicles,” said Prescott District Engineer Alvin Stump in a recent news release focused on a new ADOT project involving a climbing lane (we’ll tell you more about that tomorrow!).

Transportation Defined is a series of explanatory blog posts designed to define the things you see on your everyday commute. Let us know if there's something you'd like to see explained ... leave a comment here on the blog or over on our Facebook page!

Work on climbing lane project begins

If you’re familiar with the stretch of southbound I-17 just south of Camp Verde, you know there’s a bit of a steep climb involved for a few miles of the drive.

Getting over that hill can slow down larger vehicles and lead to delays, which is why ADOT, in an effort to improve safety and ease congestion in the area, has started construction of a new auxiliary lane and a new climbing lane…

This safety improvement project, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, will help facilitate the passing of trucks and slow moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway – this location carries approximately 28,000 vehicles per day, including significant truck traffic.

Construction Details
Climbing lanes, as we learned yesterday, can help ease congestion up steep hills by providing more room for vehicles traveling past slower traffic. The two-mile climbing lane on this project will be built at the top of Copper Canyon (mileposts 280-282).

As part of the project, ADOT will also add an auxiliary lane between the SR 260 and General Crook Trail traffic interchanges (mileposts 285-287).

Construction on the project started last week and, for the next several days, drivers can expect shoulder closures in both directions between SR 260 and General Crook Trail. In addition to the shoulder closures, the truck pull-out at the top of Copper Canyon will be closed for the next six months.

Drivers also should expect intermittent lane closures with minimal delays. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (find traffic alerts HERE).

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

A snowy Arizona scene from last year.

Winter weather in Arizona can get pretty severe and in some spots the conditions are enough to bring ADOT construction to a halt…

Projects are put on pause in the state’s high country when it becomes too cold to pour concrete or place asphalt pavement (rubberized asphalt is very sensitive to temperature variations)

And, like we said in this post from last year, just because a project goes on hiatus our crews don’t just drop what they’re doing…

Work stops at a logical point and the work zone is generally left in a condition that doesn’t impede traffic – drivers may notice some barricades and should be aware as they’re driving through project sites.

ADOT workers who manage or inspect the projects either switch gears to next-year’s planning, or are reassigned to maintenance for the season.

Here’s a list of projects that have either already been suspended for the winter, or will be stopped soon:

• I-15 paving project in northwestern Arizona (ADOT will return in the spring to apply the top layer of asphalt when weather is optimal. The final phase of the project will take about one month to complete and is expected to begin in late March 2013.)
• Reconstruction of the I-17 traffic interchange at Munds Park (the project is nearly finished, but crews will return in 2013 to apply the top layer of asphalt pavement).
• SR 77 paving project from Shumway through Snowflake.
• A westbound I-10 pavement project that encompasses 14 miles from the east end of Texas Canyon to the east side of Benson (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
• I-10/SR 90 traffic interchange project (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
• SR 260 Doubtful Canyon project – the project team is preparing for winter shutdown due to inclement weather, but not necessarily completely shutting down the project.

Besides what is listed above, there are several projects that could be shut down if an area receives too much snow, or if temperatures drop low enough to make it too cold for crews to work.

For more on how ADOT operates during the cold season, check out our previous blog posts. And, for tools, maps and other information designed to assist you this winter, visit ADOT’s Know Snow web page.

Don’t forget … you can always learn about the latest highway conditions by visiting the ADOT Travel Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511.  

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Taken in Feb. 2011, this photo shows a snowy Flagstaff.

It’s that time of year again…

Temperatures are dropping across the state and some areas have already seen snow.

The start of the winter season means motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of ADOT’s annual road closures.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually due to the significant amount of snowfall and most are reopened in the spring.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (31 miles) will close on Dec. 4.  
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 15. 
• State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Dec. 17. 
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake will close Dec. 17. The four-mile long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area. 
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford will close on Thursday, Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal. 

Drivers should know that roads are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the closure date. 

Before heading out on the road, call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

For more on how ADOT handles snow, check out these blog posts.

Editor's note: This post has been updated since it was first published.

Construction wraps up on SR 366 improvements

Sometimes seemingly minor road upgrades lead to big-time improvements for drivers…

Take the Swift Trail project in Graham County, for example. Crews currently are wrapping up work on the project that sits along SR 366. Construction began in February 2012 and included:

• Replacing pipe drainage culverts at Noon Creek with a single concrete archway 
• Constructing a new highway bridge at Wet Canyon 

The scope may not sound as massive as some of the projects we’ve blogged about, but all the work being done will make a difference to drivers and here’s why…

A new arch replaces drainage
culverts at Noon Creek

The old highway bridge at Wet Canyon was narrower and had a tight curve that could be difficult to maneuver for larger vehicles.

The new bridge is wider, has an easier turn and improved sight-lines for motorists. (By the way, the old bridge is still there. It’s a historic structure and was preserved for pedestrians.)

The drainage improvements at Noon Creek replaced two pipe culverts with one archway to reduce the potential for flooding – the new arch is much larger and will be able to handle higher water levels.

A look at the partnership involved on the Swift Trail Project 
The project was constructed under the Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highway Division, in cooperation with ADOT and the U.S. Forest Service. FHWA funded the project with money allocated for routes that lead to federal lands – in this case, the Coronado National Forest.

The new bridge at Wet Canyon.

What’s next?
The project is essentially complete; in fact, representatives from ADOT and FHWA held a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month (see video above).

There is still a retaining wall that needs to be extended at the Wet Canyon site and that work is expected to be complete by the middle of this month. Construction at Noon Creek is finished.

More on the project can be found on the ADOT website.

Work to replace San Pedro River Bridge is under way

As you can see in the video above, work to replace the San Pedro River Bridge is in full swing…

Construction started Oct. 1 and continues until March, which is when the project will shut down for about six months to accommodate the summer migratory bird season in the San Pedro riparian wilderness area. Work starts back up again in Oct. 2013 and is on schedule to finish by spring 2014.

This project is designed to replace the existing San Pedro River Bridge (built in 1955!) with a new structure featuring wider traffic lanes and shoulders that meet current standards and provide adequate space for vehicles.

You might remember that we blogged about this project a few months ago and highlighted the public involvement process (here’s the link). People in the community told ADOT they wanted the highway to stay open – at least partially – during construction.

That feedback helped shape the project and the construction schedule…

“The community let us know during the planning phase of this that they didn’t want us to completely shut the highway down and do the construction of the bridge,” says ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer C.T. Revere in the video above. “So we kept a lane open and the traffic signal is controlling the traffic through there.”

Besides community comment, the bridge’s location has also played a role in shaping the project…

As illustrated in the video above, the bridge’s locale – it sits in one of two congressionally designated national riparian conservation areas in the country – has factored into how crews are working to construct the new bridge.

Wattles and sediment barrier are in the plan along with a re-seeding and planting plan that includes the replacement of trees that were taken down for construction.

“Some of those trees had to be removed because the bridge is going to be wider than the existing one,” Revere says in the video. “The one that’s there now is 26-feet wide. The new one will be 44 feet wide. Also the construction activities to build the new bridge required us to have some clearance.”

We’ll continue to keep you updated on this project, but you can always find more information, including traffic alerts, construction fact sheets and maps, on the SR 90 San Pedro Bridge replacement project page.