Bridges

Three bridge projects starting between Seligman and Kingman

Three bridge projects starting between Seligman and Kingman

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Three bridge projects starting between Seligman and Kingman

Three bridge projects starting between Seligman and Kingman

April 6, 2022

KINGMAN – As construction season in northern Arizona resumes, three bridges in the northwestern part of Arizona will be rehabilitated starting this year.

Along Interstate 40, ADOT will reconstruct the bridge decks on the bridge at Exit 123 into the east side of Seligman. The project is needed to replace the damaged elements of the bridges and to perform other upgrades to increase the lifespan of the bridges.

Crews will be replacing the bridge decks of the two bridges as well as the approaches, and any guardrails and curbs as needed. During the project, traffic will be shifted over to share one side of I-40 with one lane in each direction through the work zone. Access to all adjacent properties will be maintained during daytime hours.

Also along I-40, the overpass for Anvil Rock Road, located about 11 miles west of Seligman, will receive a new bridge deck. Work will occur during the day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Drivers along I-40 can expect the highway to be intermittently reduced to one lane as work requires. There will also be a full closure of I-40 when demolition of the bridge deck takes place. Traffic will be rerouted around the closure using the off- and on-ramps at the Anvil Rock Road exit. 

On US 93 south of I-40, ADOT will begin rehabilitation of the Kabba Wash Bridge at milepost 97 north of Wikieup on Monday, April 11. This project will include widening the existing northbound bridge, replacing the existing bridge deck and approach slabs, guardrail work, and installing new pavement markings. Northbound US 93 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone for the duration of the project.

Construction for the bridges at Exit 123 and Kabba Wash is anticipated to be completed in late 2023. The Anvil Rock Road overpass is anticipated to be completed by this fall.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northwest District

ADOT, NAU biologists work to protect endangered species while improving Verde River bridges

ADOT, NAU biologists work to protect endangered species while improving Verde River bridges

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ADOT, NAU biologists work to protect endangered species while improving Verde River bridges

ADOT, NAU biologists work to protect endangered species while improving Verde River bridges

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
April 4, 2022

As you drive through the Verde Valley on Interstate 17, you won’t notice any construction work as you cross over the Verde River. But down below the highway, crews are working in the river bed to reinforce the footings of the Verde River Bridges to prevent erosion.

But there’s more going on than just construction work. Because that work is taking place in an area that is home to several endangered species, including snakes, birds and fish, biology teams work alongside construction crews to find and relocate these species.

This team of biomonitors from Northern Arizona University is led by Dr. Erika Nowak, assistant research professor in the Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes and director of the NAU Gartersnake Research Program.

Their purpose is to ensure that these species are protected as best they can be, given the construction activities. These species include the northern Mexican gartersnake, birds such as the yellow-billed cuckoo and the southwestern willow flycatcher, and endangered fish like the razorback sucker and spikedace.

Specifically, the team trains construction workers and project team members on identifying these species and what to do if they come across one. They will also watch construction activity and help ensure that any species are safely removed out of harm’s way. 

Because the work is in the river bed, crews built earthen bypass channels to contain river flow so crews can work outside of the area safely. For this team, it means that the biomonitors will remove all fish from pools that need to be filled in and rescue fish stranded during river moving events.

So what does the biology team do with these captured creatures? The team will identify the species as well as photograph and measure them. The northern Mexican gartersnakes are microchipped. And then, they are released. Fish and amphibian tadpoles are released into the Verde River downstream of the construction area.

“The relocation distance varies, but it’s typically about 50-150 yards from the capture point. We don’t want to release the animals too far away, as moving them out of their home range can disrupt their behavior, cause them to become disoriented, and thus more likely to die,” Nowak said.

You can learn more about the NAU biology team led by Dr. Nowak and their research on northern Mexican gartersnakes here.

The project to protect the I-17 Verde River Bridge footings is set to be completed later this spring. Learn more about the project itself here.

Rehabilitation to Hermosa Drive Bridge over I-40 to begin in April

Rehabilitation to Hermosa Drive Bridge over I-40 to begin in April

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Rehabilitation to Hermosa Drive Bridge over I-40 to begin in April

Rehabilitation to Hermosa Drive Bridge over I-40 to begin in April

March 29, 2022

HOLBROOK – The Hermosa Drive Bridge over Interstate 40 in Holbrook will be rehabilitated beginning this spring by the Arizona Department of Transportation, thereby extending the life of the bridge for drivers.

The bridge will receive a new bridge deck, guardrails and barriers. The roadway approaches to the bridge will be improved as well. Drivers can expect daytime and nighttime restrictions due to the construction work.  In addition, there will be periodic overnight closures of I-40 during the project. 

A detour will be in place using State Route 77 (known locally as Navajo Boulevard) when the I-40 closures are in effect. Eastbound drivers will use Exit 286, proceed eastbound on Navajo Boulevard and then re-enter eastbound I-40 at Exit 289. Westbound drivers will use Exit 289, proceed westbound on Navajo Boulevard and then re-enter westbound I-40 at Exit 286.

I-40 will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5. Additional nightly closures in April include April 7-9; April 11-15; and April 18-20.

Additional overnight closures of I-40 are planned throughout the summer. Closures are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

The project is expected to be completed by this fall.

This bridge project continues ADOT’s commitment to invest in the I-40 corridor as a vital highway for commerce. From 2016 to 2020, ADOT invested more than $275 million in the I-40 corridor.

For more information on this project, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northeast District.

November is a time to remember ... bridges

November is a time to remember ... bridges

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November is a time to remember ... bridges

November is a time to remember ... bridges

Kathy Cline / ADOT Communications
November 29, 2021

November is Historic Bridge Awareness Month. There's no official celebration here in Arizona, but we'd like to highlight some a few of our favorite bridges in Arizona.

First, is the "other" Salt River Bridge. It's carried State Route 288 traffic across the Salt River in Gila County since 1920. Even more impressive, it's done that without any significant changes. Although it's considered a remote crossing, the SR 288 Salt River Bridge is important in state bridge history because it's the earliest documented example of a bridge constructed by the Bureau of Public Roads in Arizona.

Another of our favorites is the Chevelon Creek Bridge in Navajo County. The deep, rocky canyon over Chevelon Creek, east of Winslow, cuts across the Colorado Plateau, the broad, relatively flat piece of topography that makes up most of northeast Arizona. This bridge carried mainline traffic on the Santa Fe Highway across that creek and was an important crossing for one of the nation's earliest transcontinental routes. Today, it carries relatively sparse local traffic, but is still remembered as one of the State of Arizona's first highway structures.

The Bylas Bridge also has historical importance. Located on US 70, it was the longest historical bridge over the Gila River. After its completion in 1957, the Bylas Bridge carried mainline traffic on US 70 for decades, essentially unchanged. Unfortunately, by the early 2010s it could no longer support modern traffic needs and was demolished in 2013 after a new bridge was built.

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

Fourth Street Bridge project in Flagstaff wins regional award

September 15, 2021

PHOENIX – For its efforts to improve traffic flow and safety in Flagstaff, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Fourth Street Bridge replacement project has won a regional award, as announced Wednesday by the Western Region of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Winning in the Quality of Life/Community Development category in the America’s Transportation Awards competition, the Fourth Street Bridge project was recognized for improving safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The project widened the bridge itself over Interstate 40, adding capacity for vehicles, and created space for bicycles and pedestrians separated by a concrete barrier. The project also connected the Flagstaff Urban Trail System across the interstate.

“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to improve safety and connectivity in the Flagstaff region,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for ADOT’s Northcentral District. “This project fits into our mission to connect Arizonans everywhere, every day.”

In addition to creating better community connectivity, the bridge was replaced using the innovative bridge-slide method where crews built the new bridge next to the old one. After the old bridge was demolished, crews used hydraulic jacks to “slide” the new bridge into place.

The method cut an estimated two months off of construction time and saved nearly $7 million over traditional bridge construction methods. This reduced the impact to the local community during construction.

Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards competition was created to showcase the projects delivered by state departments of transportation every year in order to tell the broader story on the importance of transportation. The awards focus on getting more out of the existing system; implementing new technologies and innovations; and projects that improve overall quality of life and enhance community development.

For more information, visit americastransportationawards.org.

New smartphone app will help drivers navigate upcoming traffic restrictions on I-15 Bridge No. 1 project

New smartphone app will help drivers navigate upcoming traffic restrictions on I-15 Bridge No. 1 project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New smartphone app will help drivers navigate upcoming traffic restrictions on I-15 Bridge No. 1 project

New smartphone app will help drivers navigate upcoming traffic restrictions on I-15 Bridge No. 1 project

September 1, 2021

LITTLEFIELD – With lane restrictions and oversize truck detours beginning next week on the I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 1 project in Littlefield, a new app designed to communicate traffic information and project updates is now available for free download on Apple and Android devices. 

The smartphone app, called Virgin River Bridge, was designed by the contractor for the I-15 bridge replacement project, and it will provide updates of construction activities that will likely impact traffic flow on I-15. 

“This project seemed like a great fit to have its own app to keep the public updated on construction progress and traffic impacts because most of the traffic on this section of I-15 is passing through from one state to another,” said Brenden Foley, assistant district engineer for ADOT’s Northcentral District.

The new app arrives just in time for the start of traffic restrictions on the project. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 8, I-15 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction across the bridge, and there will be width and weight restrictions in place. 

The width restriction means that all vehicles wider than 10 feet will have to use a 224-mile detour route during construction. Additionally, the overweight restriction means that all vehicles over 129,000 lbs will also have to utilize the detour. Signs, as well as the new app, will direct oversize vehicles to the detour route of US 93, Nevada State Route 319 and Utah State Route 56 between Las Vegas and Cedar City, Utah.

“We especially encourage truck drivers who use I-15 frequently to download this app in order to stay current on traffic impacts while we improve Bridge No. 1,” Foley added.

Information from the app is also available on GPS navigation apps such as Drivewyze and Waze.

Kiewit Corporation, ADOT’s contractor for the project, has had success with similar smartphone apps for its work on the Valley Metro Central Avenue Light Rail extension in Phoenix and Project Neon, a project upgrading nearly 4 miles of I-15 in Las Vegas. 

The $56 million bridge-replacement project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2024. For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northcentral District.

Rio de Flag Wash bridge in place using innovative method

Rio de Flag Wash bridge in place using innovative method

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Rio de Flag Wash bridge in place using innovative method

Rio de Flag Wash bridge in place using innovative method

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
July 6, 2021

Rio de Flag Bridge Replacement-After_062121

ADOT recently replaced the Rio de Flag bridge right in front of Flagstaff City Hall in just under a week. How were they able to tear down and remove an old bridge and install a new one so quickly?

By using an accelerated bridge construction method where the parts of the new bridge are precast and then put in place like LEGO bricks. Now that Historic Route 66 has reopened to traffic, crews will continue working for the next several weeks to install the bridge barrier and sidewalks and replace the raised median and a portion of concrete pavement on Historic Route 66.

Our video team went up to Flagstaff and took some photos of the new bridge (above) as well as a time-lapse video of its installation (see below). After you check them out, plan a trip to drive over the new bridge yourself.

Rio de Flag Bridge Replacement Time Lapse from ADOT Vimeo-External on Vimeo.

Historic Route 66 reopened to traffic in front of Flagstaff City Hall

Historic Route 66 reopened to traffic in front of Flagstaff City Hall

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Historic Route 66 reopened to traffic in front of Flagstaff City Hall

Historic Route 66 reopened to traffic in front of Flagstaff City Hall

June 18, 2021

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation completed the installation of the new Rio de Flag bridge along Historic Route 66 in front of Flagstaff City Hall allowing the road to reopen to traffic Thursday afternoon ahead of schedule.

During the week-long closure, crews demolished the old bridge and installed the new bridge using precast bridge elements. Fabricating the bridge components ahead of time as opposed to building them in place allows the work to go more quickly, reducing the time needed to replace the bridge and impacts to traffic.

With the completion of the new bridge, there is still more work to be done. Crews will remain onsite for the next several weeks to install the bridge barrier and sidewalks and replace the raised median and a portion of concrete pavement on Historic Route 66. 

Since ADOT is partnering with the city of Flagstaff on this effort, crews will also over-excavate the Rio de Flag wash to accommodate drainage infrastructure for the future city of Flagstaff Rio de Flag flood control project. Intermittent lane closures will be required to complete the remaining work.  

The $4.9 million project is expected to be completed by this fall.

More information on the project can be found at azdot.gov/riodeflagbridge.

275 million reasons ADOT knows the value of Interstate 40

275 million reasons ADOT knows the value of Interstate 40

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275 million reasons ADOT knows the value of Interstate 40

275 million reasons ADOT knows the value of Interstate 40

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
May 18, 2021

How do we love Interstate 40? Let us count the ways. 

1...2...275 million!

That’s how many dollars ADOT has invested in the I-40 corridor over the last five years. From minor bridge repairs to complete bridge replacements and small pavement patch jobs to miles-long pavement replacement projects, we see the value I-40 brings not only to Arizona but the rest of the country.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced pavement on about 90 miles of I-40 and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40. 

The agency utilizes innovative techniques to cut I-40 bridge replacements by months like the bridge slide method or a process known as a geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system to rebuild bridges, creating new abutments that integrate into the roadway with a reinforced soil foundation.

We’ve replaced dozens of bridge decks and even rebuilt 5 miles of I-40 in each direction near Williams.

Bridges and road surfaces aren’t the only things to be improved over the last five years. In continuing to support commerce, ADOT has made improvements to rest areas along I-40 including Haviland Rest Area west of Kingman and Painted Cliffs Rest Area near the New Mexico state line. Improvements are currently underway at Meteor Crater Rest Area. 

Truck parking was also permanently expanded by nearly 100 spaces at the Haviland and Meteor Crater rest areas last year.

And most importantly, we’re not done! Work along the I-40 corridor continues today. Crews are replacing pavement along 10 miles of I-40 from I-17 to Walnut Canyon Road. ADOT is also currently improving 16 bridges spread out along the interstate from California to New Mexico.

Looking toward the future, ADOT is in the process of planning a new traffic interchange between I-40 and US 93 in west Kingman  as well as more pavement replacement projects west of Ash Fork.

Beauty in building the new Pinto Creek Bridge

Beauty in building the new Pinto Creek Bridge

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Beauty in building the new Pinto Creek Bridge

Beauty in building the new Pinto Creek Bridge

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications
May 12, 2021

There's something beautiful about building a bridge. Whether it's the satisfying geometry of a bridge's lines and shapes or the sheer immensity of its size, the various construction stages are a sight to see. 

And when it comes to the new Pinto Creek Bridge on US 60, you have the added appeal of stunning desert scenery and staggering slopes set against an Arizona blue sky. You can see for yourself in this spectacular slideshow captured by a talented ADOT photographer. 

Motorists traveling along US 60 between Superior and Globe recently might have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a sky-high crane hoisting 35 massive girders into place.  

This was not a trifling matter. These girders weigh between 450,000 and 70,000 pounds. That's between 25 and 35 tons. And they range in length from 91 to 127 feet. 

The new bridge will be 695.5 feet length and supported by three piers rising from a canyon floor. It is being built adjacent to the old one, which was erected in 1949 and will be removed. Despite multiple life-extending projects, the 72-year-old span is still safe for motorists but nearing the end of its usefulness. 

The next US 60 closures are expected to take place overnight when crews pour bridge-deck concrete in mid-summer. A five-day closure will be scheduled when the bridge is nearing completion toward the end of the summer. 

You can sign up to receive traffic alerts relating to the bridge's construction at the project's page on our website or using this electronic signup sheet here. And you can always check az511.gov to find up-to-date information on construction or other restrictions.

During scheduled closures of US 60, motorists will be detoured to State Route 77 and State Route 177. This detour could add as many as 45 minutes to a trip, however, travel time may be significantly longer depending on the driver's starting point and destination.