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Expect overnight closures of I-17 in Flagstaff June 17-20 for bridge replacement project

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Expect overnight closures of I-17 in Flagstaff June 17-20 for bridge replacement project

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for overnight closures of Interstate 17 in Flagstaff from Monday, June 17, to Thursday, June 20, as crews continue work on a new bridge at the John Wesley Powell Boulevard interchange. The closure dates of north- and southbound I-17 will be staggered so the entire roadway will not be closed at the same time.

Drivers should allow extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.:

Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18:

  • Northbound I-17 will be closed at the John Wesley Powell Boulevard interchange (exit 337). Northbound I-17 will also be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) as traffic approaches the interchange beginning at 5 p.m.

    • Drivers will use the off- and on-ramps at John Wesley Powell Boulevard to exit and re-enter the interstate.

  • Drivers can turn right on John Wesley Powell Boulevard to access Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

  • Drivers looking to access State Route 89A and the Fort Tuthill Recreation area will need to take I-17 north to McConnell Drive, and then proceed southbound on I-17 to the John Wesley Powell Boulevard interchange.

  • The John Wesley Powell Boulevard overpass will also be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

  • The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph.

Wednesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 20:

  • Southbound I-17 will be closed at the John Wesley Powell Boulevard interchange (exit 337). Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) as traffic approaches the interchange beginning at 5 p.m.

    • Drivers will use the off- and on-ramps at John Wesley Powell Boulevard to exit and re-enter the interstate.

  • Drivers can turn right on John Wesley Powell Boulevard to access SR 89A and the Fort Tuthill Recreation area.

  • Drivers looking to access the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport will need to take I-17 south to Kachina Boulevard, and then proceed northbound on I-17 to the John Wesley Powell Boulevard interchange.

  • The John Wesley Powell Boulevard overpass will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

  • The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph.

The closures are needed so crews can place the bridge girders for the new bridge. Girders are the horizontal beams that support the deck of a bridge and serve as the primary structural support of a bridge.

As a reminder, the John Wesley Powell Boulevard overpass is closed to pedestrians and bicyclists during construction. Pedestrians and bicyclists looking to cross I-17 can use the Sheep’s Crossing underpass located less than half a mile north of the interchange.

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I-17 Airport Road Bridge Replacement

I-17 Airport Road Bridge Replacement

Contents

Project Cost: $11,600,000

Overview

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the city of Flagstaff, has initiated a bridge replacement project at the Airport Road (John Wesley Powell Boulevard) bridge over Interstate 17 in Flagstaff. Construction began in early spring 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2024.

The purpose of the project is to replace the old deteriorated bridge with a new bridge that meets current standards while improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Project Flyer

Project Elements

  • Construct a new two-span bridge adjacent to the existing bridge.
  • Construct a new paved approach to tie the new bridge to the existing roadway.
  • Install new bridge barrier, guardrail and end treatments.
  • Realign roundabout approaches within the traffic interchange to facilitate maintenance of traffic
  • activities during construction (roundabout operations will remain the same).
  • Demolish the old bridge.
  • Widen the shoulder on John Wesley Powell Boulevard between the northbound ramps and existing sidewalks to the east.
  • Install new pavement markings and signs as needed.

Other project elements include installing new curb and gutter, sidewalk, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, drainage and overhead lighting.

What to Expect

The majority of the work will take place weekdays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and Fridays 5 a.m. to noon. When overnight restrictions are in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., drivers will use the off- and on-ramps at the I-17/John Wesley Powell traffic interchange to exit and re-enter the interstate. Signage and on-site flaggers will direct drivers through the work zone. No work is anticipated on weekends or holidays. 

Pedestrian and bicycle access will not be permitted across the existing bridge during the majority of the project. A detour will be provided.

ADOT advises drivers to plan for possible delays during construction. 

Project Area Map

Map I-17 Airport Road Bridge Replacement

Restrictions and Closures

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For real-time information about project-related restrictions and closures, visit az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

Remember to slow down and use caution around construction workers and equipment.

Stay Informed

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  • By email: Subscribe to receive traffic alerts and project updates directly to your email.
  • Online: Submit a question or comment through the ADOT website. Visit azdot.gov/Contact and then select Projects from the dropdown menu.
  • Phone: Call the ADOT Bilingual Project Information Line at 855.712.8530.
  • Teléfono: Línea de Información del Proyecto ADOT: 855.712.8530
  • By mail: ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ, 85007