Video shows progress four months into I-10/Ruthrauff project

If you drive along Interstate 10 near Ruthrauff Road, you’ve almost certainly noticed mounds of dirt that keep rising higher and higher along the highway’s west side. It’s a can’t-miss sign ADOT crews are making progress on the project to rebuild this busy Tucson interchange at Ruthrauff Road/Camino del Cerro.

But there’s a lot more going on that’s not in plain view.

More than four months into the $129 million project, change is constant as crews work to build a new bridge over I-10 and the train tracks. This video shows some of the work you likely can’t see while you’re on the road.

First, the dirt. Crews are piling up all that earth to raise the grade for the future eastbound frontage road.

You’ll also see clusters of rebar sticking out of the ground. Soon, they will support concrete piers for the future Ruthrauff Road/El Camino del Cerro bridge.

One large feature at the site is a rebar grid that crews are still assembling. It’s part of a drainage structure that will pass under I-10.

Some other progress is less visible. Construction is still underway on the loop roads east of the railroad tracks. In the short term, those roads will provide local access when crews temporarily close Highway Drive/Davis Avenue at Ruthrauff Road to construct the Ruthrauff Road bridge. In the long term, the roads will provide an easy connection between Ruthrauff Road and Highway Drive/Davis Avenue.

Once that bridge is complete and the interchange opens in late 2021, drivers can cross over the railroad tracks without having to stop for the train.

Remember that ADOT is maintaining access to local businesses through the entire project. For updates and traffic alerts on the project, please visit azdot.gov/RuthrauffTI.