I-8

The history of Interstate 8

The history of Interstate 8

The history of Interstate 8

By: Julian Lopez / ADOT Communications

March 19, 2025

Interstate 8 from the 1970s between Casa Grande and Gila Bend.

Spanning more than 350 miles from its westernmost point in San Diego to its eastern terminus at the Interstate 10 junction in Casa Grande, Interstate 8 is a primary route for travel in the Southwest.

Here’s the history of how the highway came to be.

The Interstate Highway System is one of the defining products of Dwight D Eisenhower’s presidency and I-8 was one of the first designations approved in 1957

I-8 opened to traffic in 1964 and was completed in 1978 when the final stretch over the Colorado River was finished.

Much of where I-8 travels follows the path of US 80, which is known as the “Mother of Arizona Highways,” particularly the stretch from Gila Bend to Yuma. US 80 was eventually decommissioned as a result of the completion of I-8 and construction of I-10.

Part of what makes I-8 fascinating is the highway has the lowest dry-land elevation point of any interstate in the country (I-8 near Seeley in California’s Imperial County) and it only intersects with one US highway (US 95 in Yuma).

So, the next time you travel in Southern Arizona on Interstate 8, you’ll know the history behind the highway.

Photo: Interstate 8 from the 1970s between Casa Grande and Gila Bend.

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A flowery blog for the merry month of May

A flowery blog for the merry month of May

A flowery blog for the merry month of May

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications

May 6, 2022

You know the old saying: April showers bring May flowers. Well, most of Arizona didn’t get much in the way of showers this April, but since May is finally here, it naturally got us thinking about flowers…the only way we know how.

Did you know that several Arizona highways can bring you into locales named for various types of flora?

Let’s start with an easy one. State Route 87 passes through the community of Sunflower. You’ll find it about halfway between Payson and Mesa. Farther north on State Route 87 are the neighboring communities of Pine and Strawberry.

Speaking of pine, it’s quite prolific in the northern part of our state. On State Route 260, you will pass by Pinedale, Pinetop and Indian Pine.

Being Arizona, it's no surprise that motorists may see cactus-themed names on their travels. US 191 features a locale south of Stafford called Cactus Flat. And the small community of Cactus Forest lies just south of Florence on State Route 79.

Speaking of Florence, that name itself comes from the Latin florens, meaning blossoming, flourishing.

Lastly, there is Cactus Road, a street that covers 36 miles across the Valley, crossing Loop 303, Loop 101 (twice!), I-17 and State Route 51.

While not a specific genus, you’ll pass through Flower Pot on Interstate 17 near the junction of State Route 169. Further up I-17, you can take a detour on State Route 260 and soon find yourself in the City of Cottonwood. Of course, Cottonwood was named after the various hard to distinguish trees and shrubs that pop up ubiquitously in the Verde Valley.

The historic Route 66 name lives on in the northwestern part of our state. Turn onto State Route 66 from Interstate 40 and pass through the village of Hackberry, which was named for the nearby Hackberry Mine which, in turn, was named after the hackberry tree.

Finally, take a trip on Interstate 8 and visit Dateland, home of the famous date shake.

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Road Trip Recipes: Spicy Interstate 8 Layer Dessert Dip

Road Trip Recipes: Spicy Interstate 8 Layer Dessert Dip

Road Trip Recipes: Spicy Interstate 8 Layer Dessert Dip

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications

November 23, 2020

Thanksgiving is upon us, so we here at the ADOT blog thought it would be fun to flood your feed with some scrumptious recipes.

If a Turkey Day road trip is on your horizon, how about celebrating your safe arrival by making a delightful dip named after one of Arizona’s six interstate highways?

Let us present Spicy I-8 Layer Dessert Dip.

But hey, this is a recipe on the internet. So you’re going to have to read through an unrelated story first!

We’ll start with a little bit about the dip’s namesake, Interstate 8.

The Interstate Highway System is one of the defining products of Dwight D Eisenhower’s presidency, and I-8 was one of the first designations approved in 1957.

Interstate 8 stretches 178 miles from its terminus with Interstate 10 here in Arizona to the California state line. From there it reaches another 178 miles into San Diego.

While it officially opened for traffic in 1964, I-8 was not fully complete until the final stretch over the Colorado River was declared finished in 1978.

Motorists can take I-8 to visit such quintessential Arizona towns such as Yuma, Gila Bend and Casa Grande. As one rides along its federal grade trappings, you’ll pass some uniquely named places: Aztec, Smurr, Mohawk, Tartron and Stanwix. And don’t forget to stop for a date shake in Dateland!

Interstate 8’s route largely replaced the same byway once held by US Route 80. Once I-8 was officially completed, the US 80 designation was removed.

Now, who’s ready for a delectable dish, full of both sweet and spice that is just perfect for an appetizer or dessert?

Spicy I-8 Layer Dessert Dip

Ingredients:

1 (29 oz) can sweet potatoes in syrup, drained
¼ teaspoon salt, divided
1 fresh habanero, sliced
1 (12 oz) jar candied jalapenos (sweet heat), drained
1 (15.5 oz) can great northern beans
4 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
3 ½ tablespoons of sugar
2-3 tablespoons water
1 (8 oz) tub softened cream cheese (or Toffuti)
1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
½ cup dark chocolate cranberries
½ cup roasted/salted pistachios

Prepare:

Drain one can of sweet potatoes (in syrup). Place ⅛ teaspoon salt and sweet potatoes in a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. Remove half of the sweet potatoes and place in the bottom of your serving dish.
Add 2 tablespoons of candied jalapenos to the food processor with remaining sweet potatoes and blend. Set aside in another bowl.
Drain one can of great northern beans. Rinse thoroughly three times. Add the beans, cocoa powder, remaining salt, and sugar to the food processor. Blend until smooth, adding between 2-3 tablespoons of water as needed. Spread on top of the plain sweet potato layer.
Open the can of cranberry sauce and place in a bowl. Thinly slice a habanero pepper (keeping seeds) and stir into your cranberry sauce.

Assembly:

You should have two layers so far: plain sweet potatoes and chocolate “hummus."

Next, you will add a layer of jalapeno sweet potatoes.

On top of this, you will spread the softened cream cheese.

Then, put on the habanero cranberry sauce.

Finally, place a single layer of candied jalapenos.

Top with pistachios and chocolate covered cranberries. Chill, covered for at least two hours. This dip gets better the longer it chills and will keep for up to 2 days.

Serve with pita chips.

The longer you can chill it in the fridge, the better!

Traditional Interstate 8 Layer Bean Dip:

If you’re not yet ready to venture into the great savory unknown, we’ve still got you covered!

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz) can of refried beans
2-3 tablespoons water
1 (15 oz) can of whole black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of guacamole
1 (8 oz) container of sour cream
1 cup of salsa
½ cup of shredded cheese
1 (2.25 oz) can of sliced black olives, drained
½ cup of chopped green onion

Prepare:

Open a can of refried beans and place in a bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water until desired (and scoopable) consistency is reached.
Open a can of black beans. Rinse and drain.
Open a can of black olives and drain.
Chop ½ cup of green onions.

Assembly:

The first layer will be of refried beans. Follow this with the drained black beans.

Next you will add the guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Sprinkle cheese, top with black olives and green onions.

Serve immediately or chill, covered. This dip will keep for up to 2 days.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Expecting the whole family? Make both! And make sure to tell us what you think.

Happy munching!

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I-10 ramps closed at I-8, Jimmie Kerr

I-10 ramps closed at I-8, Jimmie Kerr

I-10 ramps closed at I-8, Jimmie Kerr

January 22, 2019

PHOENIX ‒ Arizona Department of Transportation crews have closed three Interstate 10 ramps in the area of a widening project in Casa Grande for the safety of drivers and work crews.

The ramps that will remain closed until the project is complete in late summer 2019 are:

Eastbound Interstate 8 to westbound I-10.
The eastbound I-10 on-ramp at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard.
The westbound off-ramp at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard.

All three ramps are in the area where ADOT crews are widening I-10 to six lanes between Earley Road and I-8 (milepost 196-200).

Traffic on eastbound I-8 should take westbound I-10 to the next exit at Sunland Gin Road (exit 200), exit and enter eastbound I-10 at Sunland Gin Road.

Drivers wishing to enter eastbound I-10 at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard should follow Jimmie Kerr Boulevard south to Sunland Gin Road, then go west to reach I-10. Westbound I-10 drivers can exit at Sunland Gin Road and then go north to Jimmie Kerr Boulevard, or exit at Florence Boulevard (SR 287, edit 194), re-enter I-10 eastbound and exit at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard.

Traffic on I-10 was recently switched to new lanes and new bridges over Jimmie Kerr Boulevard as work continues on the project. The original bridges over Jimmie Kerr Boulevard are being removed and crews soon will begin work to add additional lanes and shoulders to the new bridges.

Along with a second widening project in Eloy, the work will make I-10 a six-lane freeway from Casa Grande to Tucson.

In Yuma, Araby Road improvements almost complete

In Yuma, Araby Road improvements almost complete

In Yuma, Araby Road improvements almost complete

October 22, 2018

PHOENIX – One of Yuma County’s largest recent freeway improvement projects is about to be completed, paving the way for smoother and safer travel through one of the region’s busiest intersections.

The new Araby Road traffic interchange at Interstate 8 includes two modern roundabouts that will reduce delays for drivers entering and exiting I-8. The roundabout on the south side of I-8 also connects with Gila Ridge Road.

The $8 million project was completed in two phases, with the roundabout on the north side of I-8 finished in 2017 and the south side roundabout expected to be complete by Nov. 1.

The work stopped from November 2017 to May 2018 to allow easier freeway access for seasonal visitors and winter produce headed toward markets across the country.

Araby Road, also known as State Route 195, connects I-8 with the San Luis Port of Entry and is a vital corridor for international commerce. The roundabouts are designed to accommodate large commercial trucks as well as agricultural equipment and recreational vehicles.

The interchange is one of the busiest along I-8 in Yuma, used by about 22,000 vehicles per day. The new design is expected to accommodate increasing traffic in the area through at least 2035.

A comprehensive study determined that modern roundabouts are the best choice to meet traffic demands at the interchange. Modern roundabouts have been shown to be safer and more efficient than traditional signalized intersections.

Overnight closures of Araby Road at I-8 are planned for Monday through Thursday nights, Oct. 22-25. The southbound lane will close at 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, and Tuesday Oct. 23, with the northbound lane closing Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 25. The road will reopen at 5 a.m. on the following mornings.

In addition, the I-8 eastbound on- and off ramps at Araby will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27.

In Yuma, eastbound I-8 ramps at Araby Road closing until September

In Yuma, eastbound I-8 ramps at Araby Road closing until September

In Yuma, eastbound I-8 ramps at Araby Road closing until September

August 8, 2018

PHOENIX – Eastbound Interstate 8 entry and exit ramps at Araby Road (State Route 195) in Yuma will be closed for a month beginning next week as crews construct a new retaining wall as part of an Arizona Department of Transportation project upgrading the interchange.

I-8 drivers can use exits at Avenue 3E, Avenue 8½ E and 32nd Street during the closure scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 13.

Araby Road remains limited to one lane in each direction between 26th and 30th streets near I-8, with no left turn from northbound Araby to Gila Ridge Road. The maximum vehicle width on Araby Road is 12 feet.

Also on Monday, Aug. 13, the westbound lane of Gila Ridge Road, closed since May, will reopen between Araby and the Tanimura and Antle Produce building at 6435 Gila Ridge Road.

ADOT is completing the second half of a project to replace traditional traffic signals with modern roundabouts at the Araby Road interchange. The roundabouts, which are safer and move traffic more efficiently than traffic signals, will be large enough to accommodate large trucks, recreational vehicles and agricultural equipment.

A roundabout on the north side of I-8 was completed in 2017. The current work south of I-8 is scheduled to be complete this fall.

Araby Road improvements in Yuma to resume week of May 14

Araby Road improvements in Yuma to resume week of May 14

Araby Road improvements in Yuma to resume week of May 14

May 7, 2018

YUMA – Work resumes the week of May 14 on a project converting the Interstate 8 interchange at Araby Road to a pair of modern roundabouts that will move traffic more efficiently and safely through one of the region’s busiest intersections.

In this second half of this project, the Arizona Department of Transportation is building a roundabout that will connect the eastbound I-8 ramps at Araby. Gila Ridge Road also will connect to the roundabout, which is designed to accommodate large trucks, recreational vehicles and agricultural equipment. The project is scheduled for completion in November.

Crews completed a similar roundabout north of I-8 in 2017, before work went on hiatus for the winter.

Yuma-area drivers should plan ahead to avoid restrictions that will be in place for the next one to three months:

The eastbound I-8 exit ramp at Araby will close for three months beginning on Wednesday, May 16. Drivers may want to exit at Avenue 3E to the west or Fortuna Road to the east.
Also on May 16, Gila Ridge Road will close for 30 days between Araby Road and the Tanimura and Angle Produce building, 6435 Gila Ridge Road.
On Thursday, May 17, Araby will be reduced to one lane in each direction between 26th and 30th streets near I-8. During the restriction, which will remain in place for three months, there will be no left turn from northbound Araby to Gila Ridge. The maximum vehicle width during the restriction will be 11 feet.

Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes.

The Araby Road interchange is among the busiest along I-8 in the Yuma area. As SR 195, it is a vital corridor for international commerce through the international port of entry in San Luis. To the north, it connects with US 95 leading to Interstate 10.

Work to resume on Araby Road roundabouts in Yuma

Work to resume on Araby Road roundabouts in Yuma

Work to resume on Araby Road roundabouts in Yuma

March 23, 2018

YUMA – After a five-month break to accommodate winter agriculture traffic, Arizona Department of Transportation crews in Yuma are resuming a project converting the Araby Road interchange at Interstate 8 to modern roundabouts.

Utility work will begin Monday, March 26, on the south side of I-8, with construction of a new roundabout set to begin in May. The roundabout, which is scheduled for completion by November, will connect the eastbound I-8 ramps, Araby Road and Gila Ridge Road.

Last fall, crews completed a roundabout serving the north side of I-8 and connecting with Araby with the westbound I-8 ramps. The roundabouts enhance safety and improve traffic flow. They are designed to accommodate large trucks, farming equipment and recreational vehicles.

Beginning Monday and continuing until Friday, March 30, relocation of fiber-optic lines will restrict northbound Araby to one lane from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The maximum vehicle width during the work is 12 feet. With delays possible, drivers should consider alternate routes, including Fortuna Road to the east and Avenue 3E to the west.

Araby Road, also known as State Route 195, connects I-8 and the San Luis Port of Entry and is a vital corridor for international commerce. The interchange is one of the busiest intersections along I-8 in Yuma, used by about 22,000 vehicles per day. The new design is expected to accommodate increasing traffic in the area through at least 2035.

Expect delays with westbound I-8 lane restricted on Colorado River bridge

Expect delays with westbound I-8 lane restricted on Colorado River bridge

Expect delays with westbound I-8 lane restricted on Colorado River bridge

December 22, 2017

PHOENIX – Drivers heading to Southern California through Yuma should plan for delays on Interstate 8 with California Department of Transportation repairs closing one of two westbound lanes over the Colorado River.

According to Caltrans, the right westbound lane closure on the bridge, located on the state line near downtown Yuma, will remain in place until repairs are completed in January. For updates, visit the Caltrans website at www.dot.ca.gov and click on the link for District 11 – Imperial and San Diego counties. The agency’s regional Twitter account, @SDCaltrans, is another source for updates.

Those planning to travel to Southern California on westbound I-8 should budget extra time and may want to consider taking I-10 as an alternate route.

First phase of Araby Road TI roundabouts is complete on time

First phase of Araby Road TI roundabouts is complete on time

First phase of Araby Road TI roundabouts is complete on time

October 25, 2017

YUMA – With half the work completed on schedule, Arizona Department of Transportation crews are calling time out on the project to build a new traffic interchange at Interstate 8 and Araby Road so that agricultural traffic can move without restriction during the busy winter season.

Work on the modern roundabout north of I-8, which connects with exit and entrance ramps from westbound I-8, will end Friday, Oct. 27. Work on the roundabout on the south side of I-8 is scheduled to resume in the spring.

“We’re excited to complete the first part of this important project on time,” said Paul Patane, ADOT Southwest District engineer. “It was crucial that we did not impede the busy agricultural season.”

Araby is also known as State Route 195 and runs south to the San Luis Port of Entry, where most trucks carrying winter produce into the Yuma area cross the border from Mexico. The roundabouts are designed to accommodate large trucks, agricultural equipment and recreational vehicles.

There is one step still to be completed on the north roundabouts. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction to allow crews to add striping to the roundabout on Monday, Nov. 13, and Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Utility work connected to the south roundabout will begin in April, with construction expected to resume in early May. Completion is scheduled for fall 2018. The roundabouts south of I-8 will connect with the eastbound on- and off-ramps as well as with Gila Ridge Road.

The interchange is being transformed to improve traffic flow in what is one of the busiest intersections in Yuma, with about 22,000 vehicles per day. The new design is expected to accommodate increasing traffic flow in the area through at least 2035.

A comprehensive study determined that modern roundabouts are the best choice to meet traffic demands. Modern roundabouts have been shown to be safer and more efficient than traditional signalized intersections.

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