ADOT to repave several sections of Interstate 10 between Tucson and Benson

TUCSON – As part of a $15.2 million improvement project in southern Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation will replace approximately 17 miles of pavement along Interstate 10 to provide a smoother roadway between Tucson and Benson. In addition, ADOT will replace the westbound I-10 Davidson Canyon bridge, located approximately 15 miles east Tucson. Work will begin next week.

Motorists can expect daily traffic restrictions along both directions of I-10 from Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. between mileposts 284-287 to allow crews to construct a paved median crossover near the Davidson Canyon bridge to connect the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-10.

The first phase of the project will include the replacement of the Davidson Canyon westbound bridge, which was originally constructed in 1961 near milepost 285. 

Once the construction of the crossover is complete, the bridge will be demolished and replaced one half at a time. The bridge portion of the project is scheduled to be complete in spring 2016.

During the bridge replacement work, westbound I-10 will be reduced to a single lane at all times and periodic overnight closures of westbound I-10 will be necessary during some phases of construction (eastbound traffic will not be affected). The occasional full closures of westbound I-10 will require a 67-mile detour, using State Route 90, State Route 82 and State Route 83 to return to westbound I-10.

ADOT will provide information in advance of the full closures of westbound I-10.

In addition to the bridge work, ADOT will repave three sections of I-10 between Tucson and Benson, beginning with a seven-mile stretch (mileposts 281-288) from the Kolb Road interchange to east of the SR 83 junction. Paving operations are scheduled to begin in October and be completed by the end of the year.

The next phase of the project will include resurfacing a five-mile segment of I-10 east of Marsh Station Road (mileposts 291-296). Work is expected to begin in December and be completed by the end of January 2016.

The final segment of pavement replacement will be from west of the Mescal/J-Six Ranch Road traffic interchange to west of the SR 90 interchange in Cochise County from mileposts 296-301. Work on this section will begin next spring.

All pavement and bridge replacement work is expected to be completed by June 2016.

During all phases of construction, motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, slow down and be alert for construction crews within the work zone.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 5-1-1.