Bridges

US 89 widening and bridge replacement progress near Cameron

US 89 widening and bridge replacement progress near Cameron

US 89 widening and bridge replacement progress near Cameron

September 30, 2014

Earlier in the summer, we told you about the US 89 Cameron roadway improvements. Today, we wanted to bring you a quick update…

You’ll remember that ADOT started working in March to expand US 89 from two lanes to four lanes through the community of Cameron within the Navajo Nation, about 50 miles north of Flagstaff.

Besides the road widening between SR 64 and the Little Colorado River (mileposts 464-467), major work for this project includes the removal and replacement of the existing Cameron Truss Bridge with two new bridges (one going north and one headed south) at that location. Additional improvements include constructing a roundabout at the existing intersection of US 89 and SR 64, new sidewalks, streetlights and four pedestrian/livestock underpasses.

Progress is being made

You can get a good look at the project’s progress in the photo slideshow above. Right now, crews are working to complete the roundabout by October. As you can see, pedestrian crossings are being constructed and the bridge is really coming along – the first bridge’s deck will be poured in the spring.

Construction traffic impacts

During this first phase of construction, all traffic will remain on its current alignment. For the second phase of work (anticipated in summer 2015), all traffic will be moved onto the newly constructed roadway.

Drivers should know that at least one travel lane in each direction will remain open during construction at all times. There may be roadway closures; however, they are not generally expected to exceed 15 minutes. Warning signs and flaggers for both north- and southbound traffic may be used at times.

ADOT advises motorists to be alert for construction equipment and personnel, and to proceed through the work zone with caution.

It’s anticipated that this project will be complete by fall 2016. For more information, please check out the project Web page.

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SR 260 bridge rehabilitation project update

SR 260 bridge rehabilitation project update

SR 260 bridge rehabilitation project update

September 17, 2014

A scenic shot of SR 260.

We’ve blogged about some pretty massive projects lately…

From the Loop 303/I-10 interchange and the Loop 101 widening project to the US 89 landslide repair, there have been quite a few major construction updates to tell you about.

While we know that big projects can mean big impacts, we’re also aware that smaller construction projects can have an effect on drivers, too.

That’s why we want to provide an update on the SR 260 bridge rehabilitation project (not to be confused with the SR 260/Doubtful Canyon widening project OR the SR 260 project through Little Green Valley – those are two totally separate projects).

The project we’re referring to today got started in April and is centered on a 10-mile stretch of SR 260, about 17 miles east of Payson.

The $2.9 million project includes reconstructing the existing bridge approaches of eight structures on the eastbound and westbound roadways. Work also includes milling and replacing the existing pavement at the bridge approaches, guardrail reconstruction and the replacement of existing pavement markings.

Currently, the eastbound lanes are closed at the Tonto Creek Bridge (mileposts 267-268) near Kohl’s Ranch Road through the Christopher Creek Campground (mileposts 272-277) and all traffic has been shifted to the westbound lanes. Right now, crews are working on five of the bridges on the eastbound side.

The project will shut down for winter at the end of this month (the work must be done in warmer temperatures for ideal compaction and materials establishment).

Restrictions will be lifted during the break and the road will be fully open with two lanes in each direction by the end of this month (good news!).

Crews will be coming back in the spring to complete work for the three bridges on the westbound side. When construction resumes in the spring, westbound lanes will be closed and traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes, but this time around the closure will only impact a three-mile stretch.

What drivers should know

This project is intended to create smooth transitions between the highway and bridge approaches/departures through this corridor. Once complete (by summer 2015), the project will give drivers a much smoother ride.

Please note that the work zone is clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, to comply with the reduced speed limit and to be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Know that delays are possible and allow extra travel time to reach your destination.

For more information, email [email protected] or call the ADOT Project Hotline at 855-712-8530.

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ADOT continues work on US 89 widening, bridge replacement project near Cameron

ADOT continues work on US 89 widening, bridge replacement project near Cameron

ADOT continues work on US 89 widening, bridge replacement project near Cameron

July 22, 2014

According to Arizona’s Historic Bridge Inventory, the Cameron Truss Bridge was constructed in 1958 to replace another bridge that had been built back in 1911.

Here we are, 56 years later, and it’s time to replace that replacement…

“The current bridge is safe now, but it’s basically at the end of its lifespan,” says Project Supervisor Rick Schilke in the video above.

US 89 Cameron Roadway Improvements (June 2014)

The bridge has had a good run, though, and has carried countless vehicles over the Little Colorado River, near Cameron. It’s also kind of noteworthy, according to the bridge inventory.

“As a pivotal crossing on this regionally important route, the Cameron Truss Bridge enjoys a degree of historical significance for its contribution to northern Arizona transportation,” the document states on page 298. “The structure is technologically important as a well-preserved example of large-scale bridge construction.”

About the project

ADOT started in March on the project to expand US 89 from two lanes to four lanes through the community of Cameron within the Navajo Nation, approximately 50 miles north of Flagstaff. The project is planned to be constructed in two main phases, with completion expected in fall 2016.

Major work includes the widening of US 89 to two lanes in each direction between State Route 64 and the Little Colorado River (mileposts 464-467) and the removal and replacement of the existing Cameron Truss Bridge with two new bridges at that location.

Additional improvements include constructing a roundabout at the existing intersection of US 89 and SR 64, new sidewalks, streetlights and four pedestrian/livestock underpasses.

What drivers should expect

As Schilke explains in the video above, the restrictions to traffic will be relatively minor.

During the first phase of construction, all traffic will remain on its current alignment. For the second phase, all traffic will be moved onto the newly constructed roadway (anticipated in summer 2015).

Delays may occur during construction with traffic reduced to one lane. There will be directional signage and flaggers present during construction. ADOT advises motorists to be alert for construction equipment and personnel, and to proceed through the work zone with caution.

For more information, please check out the project Web page. If you’re interested in the history of the bridge (which we’re betting you are – you’re reading a transportation blog, after all!), you can find additional facts by viewing the Historic Bridge Inventory.

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Demolition of I-10 bridges over Perryville Road underway west of Phoenix

Demolition of I-10 bridges over Perryville Road underway west of Phoenix

Demolition of I-10 bridges over Perryville Road underway west of Phoenix

April 24, 2014

PHOENIX – Work to demolish the existing Interstate 10 bridges over Perryville Road in the West Valley is underway this week as part of a project to construct a new freeway interchange in the Goodyear area, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The demolition and removal of the older bridges is expected to take several days to complete before crews begin the construction of new, longer bridges over Perryville Road, which is west of the future I-10/Loop 303 interchange also being built in Goodyear.

To allow for the construction of the new bridges over Perryville Road, I-10 traffic was switched this week to newly constructed detour routes along the paths of the future off- and on-ramps for the interchange.

The detour routes still provide drivers with three lanes in each direction as they travel along the ramps. The speed limit in the area is 55 mph. Perryville Road is temporarily closed between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street to allow I-10 traffic to move freely along the construction detours. Citrus Road and Jackrabbit Trail are alternate north-south routes for local traffic.

I-10 traffic will be using the detour routes until September while crews build the new bridges.

The $18.8 million I-10/Perryville Road interchange project is scheduled for completion this fall.

Tentative Five-Year Construction Program includes I-15 bridge replacement

Tentative Five-Year Construction Program includes I-15 bridge replacement

Tentative Five-Year Construction Program includes I-15 bridge replacement

April 3, 2014

PHOENIX —The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on a proposed bridge replacement project on Interstate 15 in the far northwest corner of the state that is part of a key economic trade corridor that runs from southern California through the Rocky Mountains to Canada.

The public comment period for the I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 1 reconstruction project and every other project listed in the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is already underway. The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is now available for public review and comment at fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at [email protected].

The estimated $33 million design and rehabilitation project on Virgin River Bridge No. 1, approximately five miles east of Littlefield, will include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the environmentally sensitive area of the scenic Virgin River Gorge.

This month, ADOT began a $27 million project to replace Virgin River Bridge No. 6, marking the first of eight bridge rehabilitation projects that will ultimately need to be completed through the gorge.

Work is scheduled to begin on Virgin River Bridge No. 1 in fiscal year 2019 if the project is adopted in the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program.

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. Public hearings will be conducted on April 11 in Marana and May 9 in Flagstaff to allow for additional community input. The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox.

For more information about Interstate 15 projects, please visit www.azdot.gov/I15virginriver.

Major reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 to begin on Interstate 15

Major reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 to begin on Interstate 15

Major reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 to begin on Interstate 15

March 20, 2014

PHOENIX —The largest project in more than 40 years on Arizona’s portion of Interstate 15 will begin next week when the Arizona Department of Transportation starts on the reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 in the far northwest corner of the state.

This extensive rehabilitation project will include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the scenic Virgin River Gorge, which was the most expensive segment of rural highway ever built in the United States, per mile, when it was completed in 1973 after a decade of construction.

The $27 million project at milepost 16, located approximately 20 miles south of St. George, Utah, is expected to take up to two years to complete. ADOT will begin setting up traffic control on Tuesday, March 25.

With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor and a separate bridge deck surface project already underway on bridges No. 2, 3 and 7, ADOT urges drivers traveling between Mesquite, Nev., and St. George to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and drive carefully through the work zone.

During construction, ADOT is committed to keeping at least one lane in each direction open during all phases of construction. I-15 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at each of the bridge projects and delays are expected.

Despite being cut off from the rest of the state due to the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s 29-mile-long segment of I-15 is one of the most heavily traveled commercial and economic corridors linking southern California with the Rocky Mountain region. Ultimately, ADOT will need to rehabilitate all eight (in seven locations) of the I-15 Virgin River bridges.

While the bridges are still considered safe for travel, they require extensive refurbishment to continue serving the substantial volume of traffic along the I-15 corridor. More than 1.4 million commercial trucks travel annually on Arizona’s portion of the interstate.

Funding all the I-15 Virgin River bridge rehabilitation projects remains a challenge. Current cost estimates for all the necessary improvements in the gorge are as much as $250 million, which is why Arizona initiated discussions in 2011 with the Federal Highway Administration, Nevada and Utah to raise awareness of the situation on I-15 and explore opportunities to identify funding solutions.

In 2012, ADOT received a $21.6 million federal grant for the upcoming Virgin River Bridge No. 6 project in the fourth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER IV) grant program after the states of Nevada and Utah lent their support.

ADOT remains committed to the Interstate 15 corridor, which passes through the environmentally sensitive area of the Virgin River Gorge (mileposts 13-22) and is widely considered one of the engineering marvels of the federal interstate highway system.

In 2012, ADOT completed an $11.6 million pavement improvement project from the Virgin River to the Utah state line (mileposts 13-29) and has budgeted nearly $15 million to complete the repaving of the entire Arizona segment of the highway by paving a 13-mile portion that extends to the Nevada state line (mileposts 1-13) in 2015.

This spring, ADOT will also be submitting a federal grant application for a 2014 TIGER grant for the proposed I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 1 project, which is currently listed in the agencies’ Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for fiscal year 2019.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions. Unscheduled restrictions or closures may occur. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1; outside Arizona, dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).

I-15 bridge improvement work progresses in Virgin River Gorge

I-15 bridge improvement work progresses in Virgin River Gorge

I-15 bridge improvement work progresses in Virgin River Gorge

February 26, 2014

PHOENIX — Construction work on a series of bridge rehabilitation projects along the Interstate 15 Virgin River Gorge corridor in Arizona is underway, and motorists traveling between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, should plan ahead for delays in both directions through the work zones, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

On Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4, northbound and southbound traffic is scheduled to be switched to the northbound lanes at Virgin River Bridge No. 2 and Bridge No. 3 (both at milepost 13, approximately 15 miles north of Mesquite, Nevada) and Bridge No. 7 (milepost 22, approximately 15 miles south of St. George, Utah) to allow work on the southbound bridge deck surfaces to begin.

I-15 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at each of the bridge locations and delays are expected. Anticipated completion for this $2.8 million improvement project is this summer.

Drivers should allow 15 minutes extra travel time weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional delays may occur on weekends due to heavier traffic volumes and special events — including spring break from mid-March through late April.

Next month, ADOT is expected to start the reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16, approximately 21 miles south of St. George, Utah). This significant $27 million rehabilitation project will include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the gorge.

With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, ADOT urges drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and drive carefully through the work zone, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions. Unscheduled restrictions or closures may occur, and construction schedules are subject to change.

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511; outside of Arizona dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).

Virgin River Gorge bridge improvements scheduled for Interstate 15

Virgin River Gorge bridge improvements scheduled for Interstate 15

Virgin River Gorge bridge improvements scheduled for Interstate 15

December 19, 2013

PHOENIX — As part of an ongoing effort to modernize the Interstate 15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, which was constructed in the 1960s and early 1970s in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a series of bridge rehabilitation projects in early 2014.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, ADOT will begin a $2.8 million project to upgrade the southbound bridge surfaces, repair girders and perform other work on Virgin River Bridge No. 2 (milepost 13), Bridge No. 3 (milepost 15) and Bridge No. 7 (milepost 22). Work is expected to be completed by summer 2014.

At the January 2014 State Transportation Board meeting, the board is expected to consider the award of a contract for the reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16). This significant rehabilitation project will include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the gorge.

The $27 million project, which received a federal grant awarded to ADOT last year in the fourth round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER IV) grant program, is scheduled to launch in spring 2014 and be completed in 2015.

With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, ADOT urges drivers traveling between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down and drive carefully through the work zone. I-15 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at each of the bridge projects and delays are expected.

Construction will occur primarily during weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The majority of the work will take place in the southbound lanes, requiring two-way traffic in the northbound lanes.

Despite its remote location in Arizona, I-15 is one of the most heavily traveled commercial and economic corridors linking southern California with the Rocky Mountain region. Ultimately, ADOT will need to rehabilitate all eight of the I-15 Virgin River bridges.

ADOT remains committed to the Interstate 15 corridor, which passes through the environmentally sensitive area of the Virgin River Gorge. When the 29-mile-long Arizona segment of I-15 opened in 1973, the Virgin River Gorge passage was the most expensive section of rural highway, per mile, constructed in the country.

Funding all the I-15 Virgin River bridge rehabilitation projects will be a challenge. Current estimates for all the necessary improvements could cost as much as $250 million, which is why Arizona initiated discussions in 2011 with the Federal Highway Administration, Nevada and Utah to raise awareness of the situation on I-15 and explore opportunities to identify funding solutions.

Loop 101 closed south of Ray Road in Chandler this weekend for pedestrian bridge work

Loop 101 closed south of Ray Road in Chandler this weekend for pedestrian bridge work

Loop 101 closed south of Ray Road in Chandler this weekend for pedestrian bridge work

July 25, 2013

A rendering of the Galveston Street Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge.

Bridges aren’t just for cars, you know – ADOT builds bike/pedestrian bridges, too.

In fact, there’s one under construction right now that’s being built in partnership with the city of Chandler. It’s on Galveston Street (between Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard).

Once complete, the new bridge will span over the Loop 101 and will serve as a connection between the Galveston Street bicycle lanes located on both sides of the freeway.

Weekend closure

In order to install portions of the bridge this weekend, a full closure of Loop 101, in both directions, between Ray Road and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) will be necessary. The closure will be in effect beginning 11 p.m. Friday, July 26 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 29. In addition, both Loop 202 ramps to northbound Loop 101 also will be closed, along with the southbound Loop 101 on-ramp at Warner Road.

During the closure, traffic will be detoured along the Price frontage roads in the area. Traffic will be able to connect between Loop 101 and Loop 202 at the Price Road intersection with the Santan Freeway.

More about the project

Even though construction just started this spring (and is expected to be complete by late fall), the idea for this project actually originated back in 1999 during the update of Chandler’s Bicycle Plan. The project was eventually added to the city’s Capital Improvement Program in 2005, following approval by a seven-member Citizen Transportation Commission and the City Council.

The partnership between the city of Chandler and ADOT is spelled out in an intergovernmental agreement, but basically it means that ADOT will handle construction of the bridge, along with any structural repairs and Chandler will be responsible on-going maintenance. The bridge’s construction cost will be paid for with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant funds.

A few fun facts

The bridge’s total length will be 1,145 linear feet, which includes the span over the freeway, the spans over the northbound and southbound frontage roads, and the ramps.
The bridge will be 10 feet wide.
210,000 pounds of structural steel will be used to build the bridge.
364,000 pounds of reinforcing steel will be used (for placement in the concrete) during construction
1,000 cubic yards of structural concrete will be required for construction of the bridge.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting will be used to light the bridge.
A piece of the bridge (the center pier) was actually constructed more than four years ago when ADOT built an HOV lane on the Loop 101 freeway. Including the pier in the 2009 HOV lane project saved time, money and the need for additional closures in 2013.

For more on the project, visit ADOT’s website … we’ll also be sure to keep you updated on the project’s progress here on the blog.

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Defining bridge inspection terms

Defining bridge inspection terms

Defining bridge inspection terms

May 16, 2013

Inspectors examine a bridge damaged by a crash.

You may have heard the terms “structurally deficient” or “functionally obsolete” in reference to bridges…

While the words themselves don’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence in the structures they’re describing, you can rest assured knowing that these classifications do not mean that a bridge is unsafe.

We’ll delve into the definitions of the terms in a minute, but first let’s take a look at bridge sufficiency ratings and how they’re used by bridge inspectors.

ADOT’s Bridge Management Section handles the bridge inspection program in Arizona. This group is responsible for safety bridge inspections on all the bridges on the state highway system and the majority of the bridges that are owned or operated by local municipalities in the state.

Bridge inspections cover a multitude of items. Since we don’t have the space in this single blog post to detail everything that goes into a bridge inspection, today we’re just going to look at the sufficiency ratings.

The ratings are determined by inspectors and are used to indicate a bridge’s sufficiency to remain in service. These ratings are expressed as a percentage – 100 percent means a bridge is entirely sufficient and zero percent would represent an entirely insufficient bridge. If a structure is classified as “functionally obsolete” or “structurally deficient” the letter “F” or “S” would precede the rating number.

Again, the “structurally deficient” or “functionally obsolete” ratings do NOT mean a particular bridge is unsafe – many other factors help inspectors determine a bridge’s overall condition.

Having stated all that, here’s how ADOT defines the terms…

Structurally Deficient – This means a component of the bridge needs rehabilitation. That is to say, if a bridge inspection shows that the bridge deck, superstructure or substructure condition rating is below a certain threshold, the bridge may call for this rating. Once again, a “structurally deficient” classification does not mean a bridge is unsafe.

Functionally Obsolete – A bridge can be labeled functionally obsolete if it has sub-standard geometric features, such as narrow lanes or shoulders or inadequate clearance. You might remember that we profiled the demolition of the old Gila River Bridge in Bylas. Built in 1957, it was deemed “functionally obsolete” because the bridge was narrow and was inadequate for the needs of traffic in the area.

We’ll fill you in with more information on bridge inspections in the coming months, but in the meantime, you can visit the ADOT website to learn more about ADOT’s Bridge Group.

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