Access to Virgin River closed while I-15 Bridge No. 1 is reconstructed

PHOENIX – While work is underway to reconstruct Bridge No. 1 along Interstate 15, access to the Virgin River that passes under the bridge will be closed for public safety beginning March 8. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be replacing the abutment foundations of the bridge as part of the project. With heavy equipment and work taking place beneath the bridge, the public will not be able to access or utilize the river or adjacent lands at this location during the construction project.

Access to the river for activities including kayaking, boating, swimming, sightseeing and other water recreational activities, will be closed off.

The closure is expected to last until May 2023.

Also, in the interest of public health and safety, crews will permanently remove the man made pool known as “Little Jamaica” in the I-15 right-of-way under Bridge No. 1. As was noted during public involvement for the bridge-replacement project, this site frequently has trash, human waste and other types of waste and lacks water-quality monitoring. It also poses a threat to endangered species and vegetation in the vicinity.

With its location within the ADOT right-of-way and the potential health hazards, crews will remove the sandbags that helped create the pool and allow the spring to return to its natural path. Fencing will be placed around the spring to prevent future diversions.

Work on the $56 million project includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. 

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/projects.