As part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's continued investment in Interstate 10 improvements, construction began in fall 2012 to improve a segment of I-10 approximately 15 miles west of Benson (mileposts 288-291).

Major features of the $17.2 million project, which is about 1.5 miles west of the new Marsh Station traffic interchange, include:

• Removal of the existing Pantano Union Pacific Railroad bridge to allow taller commercial vehicles to travel on I-10 and avoid the current 67-mile detour to pass through the area. (Completed March, 9, 2013)

• Construction of two new bridges at Cienega Creek to ensure that the highway is not impacted by water flowing in Cienega Creek during heavy rains.
• Reconstruction and realignment of the westbound lanes of I-10
• Reconstruction of the eastbound lanes of I-10
• Widening the median to enhance safety.

Other work will consist of Cienega Creek bank protection, the construction of a retaining wall, new drainage and safety features, plus salvaging and replanting the existing natural landscaping.

The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2014.