I-40 project to prevent falling rocks closes westbound lane near Joseph City

HOLBROOK – An Arizona Department of Transportation project to prevent falling rocks will close one lane of westbound Interstate 40 near Joseph City, just west of Holbrook, on weekdays through March.

This week, workers began using heavy equipment to break up and haul away an estimated 45,000 tons of rocks, dirt and clay from an eroding slope just north of the roadway.

While a temporary concrete barrier is preventing rocks from falling into travel lanes, this safety project offers a permanent solution.

Westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane at milepost 279, across from the Cholla Power Plant, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Drivers should observe reduced speed limits in the work zone and be prepared to merge into the left lane.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions and closures, but weather and other factors can affect when work is done. For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.