Construction

Here's a photo that reminds us why we are happy working in these mechanized times.

The important ongoing project to reconstruct the Interstate 17 bridge over Central Avenue south of downtown Phoenix remains in an early stage. But before the work got started, our staff at ADOT knew the bridge work zone would present challenges for drivers who use the stretch of I-17 between the I-10 “Stack” and “Split” interchanges.

If you love construction, work zones and freeways, we have a word search and maze for you to complete.

Ever driven through a construction zone and not seen anyone working? Well, there could be a few reasons for that, but most of the time is because crews are working when there is less traffic on the highway.

Last month, one of ADOT's own, Frank Dorizio, was struck and killed in a work zone on Interstate 10 south of Phoenix. A member of ADOT’s Incident Response Unit, Dorizio was setting up traffic control for a pavement project.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is accelerating a project to widen and improve the Interstate 17 bridge over McConnell Drive entering Flagstaff by closing McConnell Drive until early May, followed by other restrictions through mid-August.

McConnell Drive is scheduled to be closed around the clock from Monday, April 13, through Friday, May 1. Beginning Saturday, May 2, McConnell Drive is scheduled to be closed between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, May 31, while crews work on the next phase of the project. 

Why is it important for you to get around to responding to the 2020 Census? One of the many reasons is especially important here at the Arizona Department of Transportation: Census results affect how we and others help you get around.

On March 4, Governor Doug Ducey and others gathered in Nogales to break ground for a project improving State Route 189, the 3.75-mile state highway connecting the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19.

PHOENIX – It is going to be an especially busy next several months for Phoenix-area freeway improvement projects. And yes, that means closures are needed to accomplish the work.

Drivers should plan for weekend and overnight restrictions as the Arizona Department of Transportation’s current slate of construction and maintenance projects advances in a number of Valley areas.

Ninety-eight years ago, the Tombstone Epitaph's front page shared "about the best announcement that has come to Cochise County on road work for some time." Today, the result is SR 82.

How much could you get done in two weeks? A new format for ADOT's Construction Academy gives participants a chance to jumpstart careers in construction.

PHOENIX – A new full-time format for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Construction Academy pre-apprenticeship training program readies participants for highway construction jobs in just two weeks.

The first cohort in the Highway Construction-Jump Start program graduated in October after hands-on instruction in Camp Verde. At no cost to them, seven participants received training and certifications needed to compete for entry-level jobs on construction projects.

Let’s face it: Nobody looks forward to construction delays.

But with restrictions and some temporary closures set for the Pinto Creek Bridge replacement project on US 60 between Superior and Globe, we’re giving drivers something they can look forward to: a predicable schedule.

With a little planning now, you can avoid some frustration and save time.

Here’s what to plan for:

Sept. 26 was a big day, both for us and for everyone who drives on Interstate 17 north of the Valley.

For months drivers in Scottsdale have seen the work going on to widen the Loop 101 from the ground level. But we took our drone out to give everyone a higher view of this important project.

An Arizona Department of Transportation project on US 60 east of the Phoenix area is replacing the 70-year-old bridge over Pinto Creek with a nearly 700-foot span designed to better accommodate personal and commercial travel for decades to come. 

The drive between Phoenix and Tucson has gotten a little bit better, and another improvement is just weeks away.

That’s because an ADOT project has provided three lanes in each direction on a 4-mile section of Interstate 10 in Casa Grande, between Earley Road and Interstate 8. Part of that work widened the bridge over Jimmie Kerr Boulevard, which you can see in the Flickr album below.

The Federal Highway Administration is awarding Arizona a $90 million grant to help boost capacity and safety just north of Phoenix.

With fiscal year 2019 now behind us, ADOT Director John Halikowski talks about what the agency has crossed off it's to-do list.