I-15

New project milestone on I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6

New project milestone on I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6

New project milestone on I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6

July 7, 2015

About a month ago, we shared some cool nighttime photos taken at the I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 rehabilitation site that show off a major project milestone. Today, we’ve got an equally cool video that goes into even more detail on the concrete deck pour that had crews working through the night.

If you’ve been following this project along with us, you know that the bridge is in the far northwestern corner of Arizona and work to rehabilitate the structure began in March 2014. This significant effort includes 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 project is expected to be completed in 2016, but right now, the northbound side of the bridge is closed for the reconstruction project – both directions of traffic are currently traveling on southbound side, which will also be replaced once the new, wider northbound lanes are completed this summer.

OK, back to the project milestone we were talking about…

As you can see in the video above, that recent concrete deck pour not only required crews to work overnight, but also represents a pretty significant point in the project.

“The deck pour was a little over a 12-hour shift with trucks running constantly all night. There was never a single break in the work the entire night,” says Flagstaff District Resident Engineer Adam Carreon in the video. “Everything went really smooth and we’re real happy with what the finished product looks like. Pouring the concrete deck was a major milestone for us. It shows that we’re about half way through the project at this point.”

You can learn more about the project by revisiting these previous posts. You can also see more photos of the project’s progress on our Flickr page.

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Heavy traffic expected on Interstate 15 during Independence Day holiday

Heavy traffic expected on Interstate 15 during Independence Day holiday

Heavy traffic expected on Interstate 15 during Independence Day holiday

June 30, 2015

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is urging motorists traveling on Interstate 15 in the far northwest corner of Arizona to allow for extra travel time due to expected heavy traffic during this Independence Day weekend (July 3-5) and be aware of an existing work zone through the Virgin River Gorge.

Delays of up to two hours have been reported on previous holiday travel weekends through the Virgin River Gorge, which is nearly 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

ADOT is currently working on a major reconstruction project on Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16), located about 20 miles south of St. George, Utah.

While no active construction will be taking place during the holiday weekend, the highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the project is completed in 2016.

This $27 million project includes 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 available 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.

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).

ADOT reminds drivers to expect delays as part of Interstate 15 bridge work

ADOT reminds drivers to expect delays as part of Interstate 15 bridge work

ADOT reminds drivers to expect delays as part of Interstate 15 bridge work

June 19, 2015

PHOENIX – As the Arizona Department of Transportation continues to make significant progress on the reconstruction of the Interstate 15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6, the agency is urging drivers traveling in the far northwest corner of Arizona to slow down and allow extra travel time as delays are expected while construction continues through the summer.

The highway has been narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone since construction began on the $27 million bridge rehabilitation project in spring 2014. The project includes the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the Virgin River Gorge.

Currently, the northbound bridge, located midway between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, at milepost 16, remains closed due to construction and both directions of traffic are traveling on the two-lane southbound bridge. Next month, one lane in each direction is expected to be shifted to the new, wider northbound bridge and ADOT will then start work to rebuild the southbound bridge.

The project is anticipated to be completed in 2016.

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 additional construction equipment, crews and law enforcement personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. 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. For those outside of Arizona, please dial 1.888.411.ROAD (7623).

ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound I-15 bridge

ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound I-15 bridge

ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound I-15 bridge

June 5, 2015

If you follow us on Facebook and Twitter, you know that earlier this week, crews completed an overnight concrete deck pour on the newly reconstructed northbound side of the Interstate 15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6.

The bridge is in the far northwestern corner of Arizona and work to rehabilitate the structure began in March 2014. This significant project includes 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 project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Right now, the northbound bridge is closed for the reconstruction project – both directions of traffic are currently traveling on the two-lane southbound bridge, which will also be replaced when the new, wider northbound bridge is completed this summer.

The concrete pour is a pretty big milestone for this project and we wanted to share some photos of the work with you today.

In one of the photos above, you’ll notice a 25-mph speed limit sign for traffic on the southbound side of the bridge. The reduced speed limit was in place for about 48 hours and necessary prevent excessive vibration so the new concrete could properly cure.

Drivers heading that way are urged to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time – the highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone. ADOT also advises motorists to slow down and drive carefully through the work zone.

Learn more about the project on our website or by revisiting these previous posts. You can also see more photos of the project’s progress on our Flickr page.

Stay tuned ... we have a video on the deck pour coming soon!

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UPDATE: ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound Interstate 15 bridge

UPDATE: ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound Interstate 15 bridge

UPDATE: ADOT completes new surface of reconstructed northbound Interstate 15 bridge

June 2, 2015

PHOENIX – At approximately 8:30 a.m. today, the Arizona Department of Transportation completed overnight work to pour a concrete deck on the newly reconstructed northbound Interstate 15 Virgin River Gorge Bridge No. 6 in the far northwestern corner of Arizona.

ADOT is urging motorists traveling through the Virgin River Gorge on I-15 to allow for extra travel time due to a reduced 25-mph speed limit that will remain in place for a 48-hour period as part of an ongoing bridge reconstruction project.

The reduced speed limit, which is expected to be lifted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, will allow for the fresh concrete to properly cure due to the reduced vibration from the lower-speed traffic.

Traffic delays up to an hour are possible.

The northbound bridge, located midway between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, at milepost 16, is closed for the reconstruction project and both directions of traffic are currently traveling on the two-lane southbound bridge, which will also be replaced when the new, wider northbound bridge is completed this summer.

The completion of the concrete deck pour is a significant milestone on the $27 million reconstruction project that began in 2014, and includes 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 highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the Virgin River Bridge No. 6 project is completed in 2016.

Heavy delays expected on Interstate 15 through Virgin River Gorge June 1

Heavy delays expected on Interstate 15 through Virgin River Gorge June 1

Heavy delays expected on Interstate 15 through Virgin River Gorge June 1

May 28, 2015

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is urging motorists traveling through the Virgin River Gorge on Interstate 15 in the far northwest corner of Arizona to allow for extra travel time next week due to a reduced 25-mph speed limit that will be in place for a 48-hour period as part of an ongoing bridge reconstruction project.

Beginning on Monday, June 1 at 8 p.m. and ending Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m., the reduced speed limit will be in place to allow crews to pour a new concrete bridge deck along the adjacent northbound Virgin River Bridge No. 6. The 48-hour period and reduced vibration from lower-speed traffic will allow the fresh concrete to properly cure. Traffic delays up to an hour are anticipated.

Next week’s concrete deck pour is a significant milestone on the $27 million reconstruction project that began in 2014, and includes 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 highway is currently narrowed to one lane in each direction through the work zone until the Virgin River Bridge No. 6 project is completed in 2016.

I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 update

I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 update

I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 update

February 26, 2015

About a month ago, we shared a quick update on the I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 rehabilitation project – you might remember seeing photos of the bridge deck demolition and rockfall containment work.

Today, we’ve got even more project details for you in the video above…

ADOT Resident Engineer Adam Carreon explains that up until now, most of the work has been below the deck (and drivers), but that has changed.

“The substructure is complete, all the columns and piers are built, the abutments are built, but a lot of the work now is transitioning to the top side of the bridge, where the public will have a view of everything going on and really see a big change with the replacement of the deck,” he says in the video.

What drivers need to know
Earlier this week, crews began work to install the girders on the new northbound bridge structure. The work will continue through the end of March and will require intermittent traffic breaks. Drivers traveling on I-15 between Mesquite, Nevada and St. George, Utah, should plan ahead for construction delays.

Drivers will also want to prepare for potential delays next weekend (March 6-8) due to a NASCAR racing event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. While no active construction will take place during the weekend, ADOT anticipates an increase in traffic as motorists make their way through the existing work zone that’s nearly 100 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

What’s ahead
The $27 million bridge rehabilitation project began in March 2014 and is anticipated to be complete in 2016. Work includes the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the Virgin River Gorge.

“Over the next six months, we’re going to build the northbound section of the bridge,” says Carreon in the video above. “Once that happens, we’ll switch traffic onto the new bridge and start the same process over again on the southbound side.”

Learn more by checking out our previous posts.

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Traffic breaks and I-15 construction

Traffic breaks and I-15 construction

Traffic breaks and I-15 construction

February 19, 2015

You’ve heard of a coffee break and a spring break, but how about a traffic break?

Traffic breaks are typically conducted by highway patrol officers to create a gap in traffic. That gap gives project crews a span of time in which to complete work within a traffic lane.

As you can hear in the video above, traffic breaks are sometimes used instead of a complete traffic stop.

“Instead of a car coming around a corner to traffic stopped, they’re coming around to traffic moving at 30, 40 miles per hour and they’re able to slow down safely” says ADOT Resident Engineer Adam Carreon in the video.

I-15 bridge girder installation
Work continues on the I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 6 rehabilitation project and beginning on Monday, Feb. 23, crews will install the girders on the new southbound bridge structure.

This work, which will continue through the end of March, will require intermittent traffic breaks to allow for the safety of both construction crews and the traveling public. Work hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to noon.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive carefully through the work zone and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

The $27 million rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 (milepost 16) began in March 2014, and is anticipated to be complete in 2016. This significant project includes the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the Virgin River Gorge.

Find more details on the project page by checking out our previous posts.

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I-15 bridge improvement work progresses along Virgin River Gorge

I-15 bridge improvement work progresses along Virgin River Gorge

I-15 bridge improvement work progresses along Virgin River Gorge

February 19, 2015

PHOENIX — As progress continues on the reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6, the Arizona Department of Transportation is urging motorists traveling on Interstate 15 between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, to plan ahead for construction delays up to 20 minutes next week.

Beginning on Monday, Feb. 23, crews will install the girders on the new northbound bridge structure.

This work, which will continue through the end of March, will require intermittent rolling lane closures to allow for the safety of both construction crews and the traveling public. Work hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to noon.

For more information on the intermittent traffic breaks that will occur, watch the YouTube video.

While one travel lane will remain open in each direction, motorists are reminded to slow down and drive carefully through the work zone and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Drivers should allow for up to 15 minutes extra travel time during regular construction activities occurring on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional delay time may occur on weekends due to heavier traffic volume and special events.

The busiest travel time through the Gorge is Friday through Sunday. With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, ADOT urges drivers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

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).

Partnering on the I-15 Bridge No. 6 Project

Partnering on the I-15 Bridge No. 6 Project

Partnering on the I-15 Bridge No. 6 Project

January 30, 2015

Partnering is a valuable concept for ADOT and, as you can see in the video above, it’s something that contributes to a successful project...

It gives everyone involved a chance to get together and determine goals, which not only sets a good course, but as a project moves forward, the partnering process leads the way through any conflict and helps the team evaluate progress.

“Partnering allows us to build relationships with our industry partners, our prime contractors, our subcontractors – making sure that everybody has the opportunity to give open and honest feedback and communicate with one another so we can resolve issues at the lowest level,” says Senior Deputy State Engineer Rob Samour in the video above.

After you finish watching the video, please revisit our previous partnering posts to learn more about the subject.

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