Bell/Grand project: Traffic shift allows work to start on new intersection, roadway

SURPRISE ‒ As a $41.9 million overpass and interchange rises at Bell Road and Grand Avenue (US 60), Bell Road  traffic on the east side of the project area is shifting to the south lanes as crews start work on a new intersection and road at 134th Avenue.

The intersection will eventually replace one a block to the west at 134th Drive and Bell Road, and in the coming weeks crews also will be creating a road from this new intersection to 134th Drive north of Bell, maintaining convenient access to businesses there.

It’s another sign of progress on a project designed to alleviate traffic congestion and another a step toward reopening Bell Road by November.

Crews have connected rows of columns on the east side of the project with support beams, known as caps, that will hold girders to carry the overpass and interchange over Grand Avenue and the BNSF Railway tracks. On the west side of Grand Avenue, two complete rows of columns have been completed.

In addition to building and connecting bridge columns, work scheduled in the next week includes: completing a sewer main on Bell Road east of 134th Drive; preparing to pave and form the curb and gutters to build the east side of Grand Avenue; and relocating and installing utilities.

A full closure that began April 1 between 134th Drive and West Point Parkway is allowing faster construction that will have Bell Road open for the holiday shopping season.

The primary detour route is along Dysart, Greenway and Litchfield roads. Please obey all traffic signs and posted speed limits, and also note that additional law enforcement is on patrol.

Access to businesses next to the project area will be maintained throughout the project.