Broadband

This historic effort in underserved and unserved areas is possible because of a state law that allows private broadband providers to install, operate and maintain telecommunications equipment within ADOT’s right of way using the conduit.

We're excited to share news of a public-private partnership through which internet service providers can lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along interstate freeways to expand broadband access in rural areas.

The agreement with eX2 Technology is to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along Interstate 17 and Interstate 19, and being installed later this year along much of Interstate 40.

Engineering News-Record has honored the team responsible for the project, including prime contractor Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., with a 2023 Best Projects Award of Merit for the Southwest region in the Specialty Construction category. 

TUCSON – The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun a project to bring broadband internet access to more of southern Arizona by laying 63 miles of fiber-optic conduit along I-19 from Tucson to Nogales.

The $15 million project began in September and involves crews laying fiber-optic cable along ADOT’s right-of-way for I-19. During the project, drivers can expect occasional lane restrictions, with most of the work only requiring shoulder closures.

No restrictions will take place on weekends and holidays. The project is expected to be completed in early 2023.

 Two active projects along I-17 and I-19 will add 200 miles of broadband conduit by early 2023.

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting a project to bring broadband internet access to more Arizonans by laying fiber-optic conduit along a 46-mile stretch of I-17 from Flagstaff to Sedona.

The project begins today as crews start laying fiber-optic conduit along southbound I-17 from milepost 340 in Flagstaff to milepost 296, just south of the junction with SR 179. During the project, drivers can expect right-lane restrictions along southbound I-17 where crews are working. Crews plan to install the fiber-optic conduit in 3-mile stretches at a time.