November 20, 2012
The Arizona Department of Transportation began a project in February to construct four new bridges (two eastbound and two westbound) at the Big and Little Lithodendron Washes on Interstate 40 (mileposts 301-303), about 15 miles east of Holbrook. Both eastbound bridges have now been completed and crews are preparing to start work on both westbound bridges.
The $9.7 million project, which is scheduled for completion by the fall of 2013, includes:
- Construction of four new bridges to replace the current structures, which were built in 1959 and 1960 and do not meet contemporary bridge standards
- Construction of paved median crossover detours to move traffic to the opposite side of the highway
- Repaving the approaches to all four bridges
- Drainage improvements
Work will start on the two westbound bridges the first of December and work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be narrowed traffic lanes and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zones. While westbound bridge work is being done, traffic will be diverted to the opposite side of the freeway where two-way traffic will be maintained for approximately three miles. Flaggers will be present to guide vehicles through the work zones when necessary and drivers may experience brief delays at times.
ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.
For more information about this project please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Rod Wigman, Holbrook District Senior Public Information Officer, at 928.532.2334. Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at 1.800.949.8057. Visit us on facebook or our web site for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts.
