Simple, predictable schedule helping Pinto Creek bridge project

Let’s face it: Nobody looks forward to construction delays.

But with restrictions and some temporary closures set for the Pinto Creek Bridge replacement project on US 60 between Superior and Globe, we’re giving drivers something they can look forward to: a predicable schedule.

With a little planning now, you can avoid some frustration and save time.

Here’s what to plan for:

• Daily lane restrictions begin Thursday (Oct. 31) and continue for several weeks Mondays through Thursdays between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Fridays from 6 a.m. to noon.
• Full closures are tentatively set to begin Thursday, Nov. 7. The closures will continue for several weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drivers will detour on state routes 77 and 177 through Winkelman, adding at least 45 minutes of travel time between Globe and Superior.

While much of the construction will occur in Pinto Creek Canyon, we need the restrictions as crews continue building an access road into the canyon and removing rock to shift part of the highway about 30 feet. Crews will need to blast away some rock, which requires full highway closures for safety.

As we shared in an earlier news release, there is some encouraging news already: In the first few weeks, crews found the rock is softer than expected and can be removed with heavy equipment rather than by blasting. If that continues, we can reduce the number of full closures.

Additional restrictions and closures will come later in the project. They’ll include overnight closures to install bridge girders and pour the new structure’s concrete deck. Near the end of the project, we’ll need to close the road for about five days to shift the highway so it lines up with the new bridge.

Drivers will continue using the existing bridge until the new 695-foot-long structure is completed in about two years. When we're done, the new structure replacing a 70-year-old bridge will give motorists reliable transportation for decades to come.

Motorists can keep up to date on restrictions by subscribing for email updates at azdot.gov/PintoCreekBridge.