Broadway Curve Improvement Project

Constructing Concrete Barrier Walls: The Slipforming method

Constructing Concrete Barrier Walls: The Slipforming method

Constructing Concrete Barrier Walls: The Slipforming method

Constructing Concrete Barrier Walls: The Slipforming method

By the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Team / ADOT Communications
March 1, 2024
Crews preparing for using the slipforming method to build a concrete barrier

We see them all along the freeways, concrete barrier walls, placed to help protect drivers.  When constructing these walls, crews can use different methods. One method is called slipforming. 

Crews with the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project are using the slipforming method to construct concrete barriers in some areas of the project. When this method is used, a concrete machine continuously pours concrete into a desired form or shape such as the barrier wall shown below.

Before construction of a concrete barrier wall using the slip forming method begins, rebar cages are placed into the ground and then concrete is poured around the rebar, creating a footing or base for the new barrier wall. Crews then bring in a concrete machine. Concrete is fed into one side of the machine and then on the other side of the machine, the concrete is poured into a desired shape or form such as a concrete barrier wall and this is what is referred to as the “slipforming” method.  

Once the wall is placed, crews smooth out and finish the wet concrete and then let it cure for 3-7 days.

View this Behind the Scenes video on slipforming.

Learn more about the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project by visiting I10broadwaycurve.com or by downloading the free project mobile app called TheCurve.

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Eastbound I-10 to close between SR 51 and US 60 (Feb. 16-19)

Eastbound I-10 to close between SR 51 and US 60 (Feb. 16-19)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Eastbound I-10 to close between SR 51 and US 60 (Feb. 16-19)

Eastbound I-10 to close between SR 51 and US 60 (Feb. 16-19)

February 13, 2024

Plan to use detours and expect delays 

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan ahead and expect delays as eastbound Interstate 10 between SR 51 and US 60 will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, through 4 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19, for a traffic shift. At the same time, the following will be closed.

  • The eastbound I-10 on-ramps at Third, Seventh, and Jefferson streets, Buckeye Road, 24th, 32nd and 40th streets and Broadway Road
  • The loop ramp from southbound SR 143 to eastbound I-10
  • The southbound I-17 on-ramps at Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street
  • The ramp from southbound I-17 to eastbound I-10
  • The westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) ramp to eastbound I-10.
  • The southbound SR 51 on ramp at McDowell Road
  • The ramps from southbound SR 51 to eastbound I-10 
  • The high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramp from eastbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) 

Detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound US 60 or westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to access eastbound I-10 beyond the closure. Drivers traveling on southbound I-17 can use westbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). 

West Valley drivers heading to the Southeast Valley can bypass the closure by using Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway). From I-10 and 59th Avenue, travel south and east to connect with eastbound I-10 south of Chandler Blvd. 

New lane configuration: When eastbound I-10 reopens, drivers can expect a new lane configuration. The existing split between 48th Street and Broadway Road will shift with a roadway barrier and work zone in between. There will be three lanes to the left of the work zone and two lanes to the right of the work zone. Drivers wishing to exit onto US 60 using the general purpose lanes are encouraged to move into the right two lanes before 48th Street. HOV lane access to eastbound US 60 will be unchanged. 

Please note: Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s free mobile app, TheCurve or visit the Alerts section of the project website before you travel.

                                                                                                                 ###

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is identified in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400. MAG identified the need for this project to reduce travel times on I-10 during peak hours; improve airport access; support ridesharing and transit; and prepare the region for future growth projections. Learn more about the major improvements here. 

 

Milestones and Progress: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project 2023 Year in Review

Milestones and Progress: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project 2023 Year in Review

Milestones and Progress: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project 2023 Year in Review

Milestones and Progress: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project 2023 Year in Review

By the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Team / ADOT Communications
December 30, 2023
Multiple construction vehicles in the foreground with Interstate 10 in the background. These vehicles are working on the Broadway Curve Improvement Project.

2023 is just about over and for the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, significant progress was made in the last 12 months. Let’s take a look back at some of the major construction work successes. 

Throughout the year, we saw a lot of bridge work. The previous 48th Street and Broadway Road bridges were removed and the new ones opened up to motorists earlier in the year.  Also, work began on the construction of new I-10 bridges over Southern Avenue, and two new multiuse bridge trusses were placed over I-10 near Alameda Drive and the Western Canal. Work to widen the I-10 bridge over the Salt River also continued throughout 2023. 

Summer 2023 saw the commencement of motorists using the new westbound US 60 to westbound I-10 ramp-an essential step in streamlining traffic flow and improving connectivity between these two major freeways. At the same time, construction work accelerated at the I-10 and SR 143 interchange, laying the groundwork for smoother transitions for motorists transitioning from the I-10 and SR 143 freeways and vice versa. 

We also saw a lot of construction on new sound and retaining walls throughout the project, changing the landscape all along the project corridor. 

In fall of 2023, crews began work to convert the Tempe Drain that runs parallel to westbound I-10 near I-10 and 32nd Street. The conversion consists of lining the drain with concrete instead of rock, making the drain more efficient for freeway water runoff.

As we say goodbye to 2023, we look forward to 2024 and the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s future construction work milestones and successes. Stay tuned as we continue to navigate towards a future of improved and enhanced mobility and connectivity in the region.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Enhancing the I-10 Broadway Curve: Revamping Tempe Drain for improved freeway safety, efficiency

Enhancing the I-10 Broadway Curve: Revamping Tempe Drain for improved freeway safety, efficiency

Enhancing the I-10 Broadway Curve: Revamping Tempe Drain for improved freeway safety, efficiency

Enhancing the I-10 Broadway Curve: Revamping Tempe Drain for improved freeway safety, efficiency

By the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Team / ADOT Communications
December 8, 2023
The Tempe Drain that is being improved as part of the Broadway Curve Improvement Project

Keeping excess amounts of water off freeways is always a goal when designing and constructing roadways and crews with the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project are working to ensure that this goal is met.

One of the major components of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project includes widening I-10 by adding more lanes through the Broadway Curve area and that addition willsubsequently increase stormwater runoff from the highway. In order to ensure that large amounts of water stay off the freeway, crews are improving the Tempe Drain that runs along westbound I-10 near 32nd Street. 

Work in this area consists of converting the lining of the Tempe Drain from rock to concrete, which will help increase water capacity flow as the water flows towards and empties into the Salt River. This conversion will also help reduce maintenance needs in the drain area. 

Once work is completed, about a half mile of the Tempe Drain will be newly lined with concrete and in some areas will be as wide as 40 feet. 

You can learn more about the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project by visiting i10broadwaycurve.com and download the free project mobile app called The Curve. 

Also, watch the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Behind the Scenes video on the Tempe Drain below:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Westbound I-10 to close between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 (Oct. 13-16)

Westbound I-10 to close between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 (Oct. 13-16)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Westbound I-10 to close between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 (Oct. 13-16)

Westbound I-10 to close between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 (Oct. 13-16)

October 13, 2023

Drivers should expect delays and plan for detours

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan ahead and expect to use detours as westbound I-10 will be closed between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 to 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16 as crews conduct bridge work as part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. At the same time, the following ramps will be closed:

  • The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard/Sundust Road, Chandler Boulevard, and Ray, Warner, Elliot and Baseline roads

  • The westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) ramps to westbound I-10

  • The eastbound Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) ramp to westbound I-10

Westbound I-10 detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound US 60 or westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to access westbound I-10 beyond the closure.

Drivers heading to the West Valley can bypass the closure by using the Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) west and north to connect with I-10 at 59th Ave.

Please note: Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s free mobile app, TheCurve or visit the Alerts section of the project website before you travel.

Westbound I-10 to close between US 60 and 32nd Street (June 2-5)

Westbound I-10 to close between US 60 and 32nd Street (June 2-5)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Westbound I-10 to close between US 60 and 32nd Street (June 2-5)

Westbound I-10 to close between US 60 and 32nd Street (June 2-5)

May 31, 2023

Plan ahead and expect to use detours

PHOENIX –The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to expect delays and plan ahead as westbound Interstate 10 is closed between US 60 and 32nd Street from 10 p.m. Friday, June 2, to 4 a.m. Monday, June 5. Crews with the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project will be conducting a traffic shift and bridge work.

The following ramps will also be closed.

  • The ramps from westbound US 60 to westbound I-10.
  • The ramp from southbound SR 143 to westbound I-10.
  • The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Elliot, Baseline, and Broadway roads and 40th Street.
  • The westbound US 60 on-ramps at McClintock Drive, Rural Road and Mill Avenue.

Detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) or eastbound US 60 to northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to access westbound I-10.

West Valley drivers can bypass the work zone by using Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) west and north to connect with I-10 at 59th Avenue.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-10 and US 60 heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport should head northbound on Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and use the Sky Harbor Boulevard entrance from Loop 202.

New westbound US 60 to westbound I-10 ramp to open on Monday, June 5: Drivers will begin using the new westbound US 60 ramp to westbound I-10 when westbound I-10 reopens on Monday, June 5. The existing bridge will be permanently closed and eventually removed.

Please note: Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s free mobile app, TheCurve or visit the Alerts section of the project website before you travel.

# # #

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is identified in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400. MAG identified the need for this project to reduce travel times on I-10 during peak hours; improve airport access; support ridesharing and transit; and prepare the region for future growth projections. Learn more about the major improvements here.

National Bike Month: A good time to talk multimodal improvements for Pedestrians, Cyclists in Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe

National Bike Month: A good time to talk multimodal improvements for Pedestrians, Cyclists in Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe

National Bike Month: A good time to talk multimodal improvements for Pedestrians, Cyclists in Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe

National Bike Month: A good time to talk multimodal improvements for Pedestrians, Cyclists in Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe

By the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Team
May 9, 2023
Alameda Bridge under construction

On your left! 

May is National Bike Month!

This serves as a great opportunity to remind Valley residents that the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is working on enhancing pedestrian and bicycling connectivity. 

While the bulk of the project’s focus is on adding new travel lanes and major traffic interchange reconstruction work, crews are also building and improving bridges for people who bike, skate, scoot and walk to the places they need to be. This is good news for all, including cyclists. 

"Cycling enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate with the two new bicycle and pedestrian bridges under construction as part of the Broadway Curve project," said Elaine Mariolle, ADOT Active Transportation Coordinator. "These projects will greatly enhance active transportation and connectivity in the region and they are eagerly awaited by pedestrians and bicyclists."

Some multimodal infrastructure began to take shape this year as crews worked on placing massive prefabricated steel trusses for two new multi-use bridges over I-10 – one at the Western Canal and another at Alameda Drive. This year, crews also expect to complete widening work on the Guadalupe Road bridge to improve the Sun Circle Trail connection. 

Jeff Caslake, member of the Tempe Bicycle Action Group, who lives near Arizona State University, said the multimodal bridges have been needed for a long time. 

“I've lived in north Tempe near ASU for the past 22 years, and I think I've been anticipating the Alameda bridge for more than 10 of them,” Caslake said. “During Spring Training games, that time of year when the weather is fantastic, attendees in Tempe and other East Valley cities will really benefit from having a bicycle-pedestrian bridge connecting the stadium to the east side of I-10.” 

Caslake added that the Western Canal bridge will also be of great benefit to cyclists and multimodal users. “This bridge is going to be great for those riders further out into Mesa and Chandler.”

So, whether you ride a bicycle or scooter, skate or just like to walk about, here are some upcoming upgrades that may be enough to get your happy feet moving and spinning. Remember, be safe, have fun and happy trails. 

Alameda Drive

A multi-use bridge over I-10 in Tempe at Alameda Drive has been envisioned for decades. Alameda Drive was listed as an alternative bicycle corridor in Tempe’s 1991 bike plan; in 1995, the same plan expressly mentioned building a pedestrian bridge at Alameda Drive. Today, Alameda Drive has some of the highest east-west bicycle ridership in Tempe. The city is currently undertaking the Alameda Drive Streetscape Project and, when it is complete, Alameda Drive will serve as a multi-modal corridor connecting Tempe to Phoenix and Mesa. The new multi-use bridge that’s included as part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project will provide the long-awaited safe passage over the interstate. As a bonus, the bridge offers an alternate route to Tempe Diablo Stadium, where an estimated 150,000 people a year attend free events, charity walks, youth sports and spring training.

Western Canal

Walkers, runners and bicyclists have long enjoyed the trails that line the canal system throughout the metro-Phoenix region. The Western Canal trail between Price Road and 19th Avenue is no exception. However there’s a major roadblock between Priest Drive on the east and 48th Street on the west: the I-10/US 60 traffic interchange. ADOT’s construction of a multi-use bridge just south of the interchange will provide a safe bypass for people who use the Western Canal trail for exercise, as well as residents on the west side of I-10 who can – at long last – walk to shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Guadalupe Road Bridge

The Sun Circle Trail is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts in the Valley. The 120-mile trail system links cities and towns throughout Maricopa County. However, in some areas it is interrupted by roadways. One example is at Guadalupe Road. Although the Guadalupe Road bridge crosses I-10, it’s not wide enough to accommodate the various types of trail users. The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project includes widening the bridge to improve the Sun Circle Trail crossing. This means hikers, mountain bikers and even horseback riders will have safe access to and from popular trails in South Mountain Park. The improvements will also benefit the people who regularly walk or bike between Phoenix to the west and Guadalupe and Tempe to the east.

We anticipate opening the widened and improved Guadalupe Road bridge for all users in 2023. Construction of the two other multi-use bridges will continue throughout the year. We look forward to letting you know when they are open and ready for use. To see the latest project updates, visit: i10BroadwayCurve.com.

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Westbound I-10 to close this weekend between Loop 202 (Santan) and US 60

Westbound I-10 to close this weekend between Loop 202 (Santan) and US 60

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Westbound I-10 to close this weekend between Loop 202 (Santan) and US 60

Westbound I-10 to close this weekend between Loop 202 (Santan) and US 60

April 26, 2023

Bridge work, paving advance Broadway Curve widening project

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan ahead and expect delays when westbound Interstate 10 is closed between Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) and US 60 from 10 p.m. Friday, April 28, to 4 a.m. Monday, May 1. Crews with the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project will be conducting bridge and paving work.

At the same time, the following ramps will be closed:

  • The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard/Sundust Road, Chandler Boulevard, and Ray, Warner and Elliot roads.
  • The westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) ramps to westbound I-10.
  • The eastbound Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) ramp to westbound I-10.
  • The westbound I-10 ramp to eastbound US 60. 

Westbound I-10 detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound US 60 or westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to access westbound I-10 beyond the closure. Drivers heading to the West Valley can bypass the closure by using the Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) west and north to connect with I-10 at 59th Avenue. 

Please note: Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s free mobile app, The Curve or visit the Alerts section of the project website before you travel.

# # #

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is identified in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400. MAG identified the need for this project to reduce travel times on I-10 during peak hours; improve airport access; support ridesharing and transit; and prepare the region for future growth projections. Learn more about the major improvements here.

Interstate 10 to close in both directions between US 60 and SR 51 (April 21-24)

Interstate 10 to close in both directions between US 60 and SR 51 (April 21-24)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Interstate 10 to close in both directions between US 60 and SR 51 (April 21-24)

Interstate 10 to close in both directions between US 60 and SR 51 (April 21-24)

April 18, 2023

Crews removing the old 48th Street and Broadway Road bridges

PHOENIX-The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to allow extra travel time, plan to use detours and expect delays if their plans include travel on Interstate 10 in the area of SR 51 and US 60. Crews with the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project are removing the old 48th Street and Broadway Road bridges over I-10. 

Westbound Interstate 10 between US 60 and 32nd Street and numerous off- and on-ramps will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, to 4 a.m. Monday, April 24 for bridge removal. At the same time, the following ramps will be closed:

  • The ramps from westbound US 60 to westbound I-10.
  • The ramp from southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound US 60.
  • The westbound I-10 on-ramps at Elliot, Baseline, and Broadway roads and 40th Street.
  • The westbound US 60 on-ramps at McClintock Drive, Rural Road and Mill Ave. 
  • The westbound off-ramps at Broadway Road and 40th and 32nd streets. 

Westbound I-10 detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) or eastbound US 60 to northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to access westbound I-10. 

Drivers heading to the West Valley can bypass the work zone by using Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway) west and north to connect with I-10 at 59th Ave. 

Eastbound Interstate 10 will be closed between SR 51 and US 60 from 9 p.m. Friday, April 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, April 24, for bridge removal. At the same time, the following ramps will also be closed:

  • The eastbound I-10 on-ramps at Third, Seventh, and Jefferson streets, Buckeye Road, 24th and 32nd and 40th stress, and Broadway Road.
  • The loop ramp from southbound SR 143 to eastbound I-10.
  • The westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) ramp to eastbound I-10.
  • The southbound I-17 on-ramps at Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street.
  • The ramp from southbound I-17 to eastbound I-10. 
  • The southbound SR 51 on-ramp at McDowell Road.
  • The ramps from southbound SR 51 to eastbound I-10. 
  • The high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramp from eastbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). 

Eastbound I-10 detour: Use eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) to access eastbound I-10 beyond the closure.

Drivers traveling on southbound I-17 can use westbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). West Valley drivers heading to the Southeast Valley can bypass the closure by using the Loop 202 (South Mountain Freeway), From I-10 and 59th Avenue, travel south and east to connect with I-10 south of Chandler Boulevard. 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Access: East Valley drivers should use the entrance from 44th Street. West Valley drivers should use southbound 16th Street to eastbound Buckeye Road.

Additionally: Northbound 48th Street/SR 143 will be closed between Broadway Road and I-10 from 8 p.m. Friday, April 21 to 4 a.m. Monday, April 24, for bridge removal. Southbound SR 143/48th Street will be closed between McDowell Road and Broadway Road from 8 p.m. Friday night, April 21 through to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 for utility work and bridge removal. Then, Southbound SR 143 will remain closed between I-10 and Broadway Road from 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 to 4 a.m., Monday, April 24. There will also be ramp closures in this area. For more detailed closure information and suggested detour routes, click here. 

For a listing of all weekend I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project freeway restrictions and closures, visit i10broadwaycurve.com/alerts. 

Project related photos available here. 

Please note: Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s free mobile app, The Curve or visit the Alerts section of the project website before you travel.

# # #

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is identified in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400. MAG identified the need for this project to reduce travel times on I-10 during peak hours; improve airport access; support ridesharing and transit; and prepare the region for future growth projections. Learn more about the major improvements here. 

ADOT’s “Ready to Rubble” event offers future engineers valuable career insights

ADOT’s “Ready to Rubble” event offers future engineers valuable career insights

ADOT’s “Ready to Rubble” event offers future engineers valuable career insights

ADOT’s “Ready to Rubble” event offers future engineers valuable career insights

By the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Team
April 14, 2023
Thirteen people standing in construction safety gear

There will be rumblings the weekend of April 22-23 as the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project gears up to remove the old 48th Street and Broadway Road bridges over Interstate 10.

Named, “Ready to Rubble,” this event will bid farewell to the old bridges that motorists drove on for nearly six decades to make way for new ones - and ADOT is ready!

These modern bridges opened to traffic earlier this year and are ready to meet the growing number of Arizona motorists in the valley, which is expected to increase by 25 percent by 2040.

While all the attention will be on the old coming down to make way for the new, one thing that might also have a reverberating impact is that “Ready to Rubble” will offer aspiring Arizona engineers an opportunity to see how their field of study affects us all. 

Robert Samour, ADOT's Senior Deputy State Engineer for Major Projects says, "Engineering students today are the ones who will shape and change the world around us. They're the ones who will solve problems and build things that will benefit people's everyday lives. Having these students see how roadway bridges are removed will be an important part of their learning process." 

Part of the bridge removal process includes inviting engineering students from around the state so they can see how what they learn in the classroom has a real-world impact. They will have an opportunity to ask ADOT engineers and industry professionals questions about the construction and removal process of the outgoing bridges. 

“The bottom line is that this is a huge opportunity for engineering students and others to see how a signature project for the Phoenix-Metro area goes from a visual concept to a structural reality,” said Randy Everett, Division Administrator for ADOT’s Central District. 

“This is far beyond textbooks and theory. It opens aspiring engineers to the possibilities of how rewarding this career could be,” he added. 

Everett said engineering students have continued to show interest in learning about how projects such as the I-10 Broadway Curve are conceptualized and delivered. Last year, Everett invited students to tour the construction area. Since then, he said interest has grown with more students wanting to tour the site and learn about it from industry professionals.

As ADOT’s largest urban freeway reconstruction project to date continues to forge ahead, some 80 engineering students are expected to attend the “Ready to Rubble” event. High school students who have an interest in the STEM fields are also expected to join.

“We need engineers. It is important for young people to see the significant role these professionals play in building for the future,” ADOT  Major Projects Construction Manager Julie Gadsby said. “This is a rewarding industry. Whether you are a man or a woman, we need people to step up to the challenge to ensure we continue to innovate and move forward,” she added.

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