ADOT seeks public comments on Interstate 15 bridge replacement project

PHOENIX —The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration are seeking public comments on a proposed rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 1 on Interstate 15, located in the far northwest corner of Arizona.

The $33 million project on Virgin River Bridge No. 1, approximately five miles east of Littlefield, will include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the environmentally sensitive area of the scenic Virgin River Gorge.

Earlier this year, the project was added to ADOT’s 2015-2019 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, and is slated to begin in fiscal year 2019.

As part of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Highway Administration and ADOT are beginning work on an Environmental Assessment, which will evaluate potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Essential to identifying the best program of solutions is the participation and feedback from individuals who travel along the I-15 corridor or live in the area.

Comments from the public regarding the proposed scope of construction and impacts, or other issues and concerns, may be submitted through Nov. 28.

Despite its remote location, Arizona’s 29-mile section of roadway is one of the most heavily traveled commercial and economic corridors linking Southern California with the Rocky Mountain region. Earlier this spring, ADOT began a $27 million project to replace Virgin River Bridge No. 6, marking the first of eight rehabilitation projects that will ultimately need to be completed through the gorge.

To provide input during the public comment period, you can participate in the following ways:

• Email comments to [email protected].
• Submit comments online.
• Mail comments to Virgin River Bridge No. 1 Study Team, c/o ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
• Call 855.712.8530.