Bell/Grand project: A new 134th Avenue connection opens to drivers

SURPRISE ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation’s project to construct an overpass and interchange at Bell Road and Grand Avenue (US 60) has reached another milestone with a new 134th Avenue connection at Bell open just west of Dysart Road.

This segment connects with businesses north of Bell Road. Fresh pavement markings are in place, and the last of the barricades have been pulled away.

The new 134th Avenue curves north of Bell Road to provide an east-west connection to 134th Drive, the road that previously served as the connection to area businesses.

Among other progress on ADOT’s $41.9 million project, work to install concrete girders on support piers both east and west of Grand Avenue is scheduled to continue over the next week. Most of the girders used for the overpass will have been lifted into place by cranes by the end of the weekend of July 9-10.

Bell Road is scheduled to reopen to traffic by November, and the entire project, with ramps to and from Grand Avenue, is scheduled for completion next spring.

The overpass work will require Grand Avenue to be narrowed to one lane at times in either direction between Dysart and Litchfield roads, including overnight hours. Eastbound Grand Avenue is scheduled to be limited to one lane between Towne Center and Bell Grande drives from 10 p.m. Monday, July 11, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 12.

Crews continue preparing the future wider section of westbound Grand Avenue for paving. As work on the Bell Road overpass progresses, Grand Avenue traffic will be switched to the new westbound lanes.

During the week of July 11, crews also are scheduled to remove old pavement, as well as sections of curb and gutter, along the south side of Bell Road east of Grand Avenue.

While Bell Road is closed in both directions near Grand Avenue for bridge construction, access to local businesses will continue throughout. The primary detour route takes traffic along Dysart Road, Greenway Road and Litchfield Road.

Please note that local, county and state law enforcement officers are patrolling the area. Please obey all traffic signage and speed limits.