I-8

Closures, restrictions at Araby Road set to begin July 5

Closures, restrictions at Araby Road set to begin July 5

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Closures, restrictions at Araby Road set to begin July 5

Closures, restrictions at Araby Road set to begin July 5

June 26, 2017

YUMA ‒ One of the Yuma area’s largest road construction projects in recent years will begin in mid-July, but preparations for the work mean road closures and restrictions on Araby and Gila Ridge roads at Interstate 8 will begin as soon as the July 4 holiday ends.

Beginning Wednesday, July 5, drivers will want to allow extra time and consider alternate routes while utility crews begin relocating underground lines in the work zone. Restrictions and road closures will be in place 24 hours a day through July 16. Work on the $8 million project to build two modern roundabouts at the interchange is scheduled to begin July 17.

Here are the restrictions that will be in place beginning July 5:

  • The westbound Interstate 8 on-ramp and the eastbound I-8 off-ramp at Araby Road will be closed, and a right-turn only restriction will be in place from westbound I-8 to northbound Araby Road. Drivers on Araby Road will be able to access the eastbound on-ramp from either direction. Consider using Avenue 3E or Avenue 8½ E instead.
  • Araby Road will be narrowed to one 11-foot lane in each direction from the north side of I-8 (approximately 26th Street) to the south side of I-8 (30th Street), and the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.  Vehicles wider than 10 feet must use an alternate route. Drivers can use Avenue 3E or Avenue 8½ E.
  • Gila Ridge Road will be closed in both directions just south of Araby Road at the Tanimura and Antle Produce building. Access to the building will remain open on the west side of the building. Plan for heavy traffic and allow extra time.

On July 17, Arizona Department of Transportation crews will begin work on the north side of I-8, constructing the first of two modern roundabouts that will move traffic through one of the busiest freeway interchanges in Yuma. Work is expected to continue until November and then stop to allow heavier winter commercial traffic to pass through the area without restrictions. Construction will resume in the spring and is expected to conclude by late 2018.

The second roundabout, on the south side of the freeway, also will connect with Gila Ridge Road, a busy commercial route.

Drivers should expect delays and detours, including lane restrictions and closures at Gila Ridge and Araby roads. Alternate routes will include Avenue 8 ½ E and Avenue 3E. ADOT will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on Araby Road while construction is underway, but drivers should plan for reduced speed limits and delays.

Roundabout project at I-8 and Araby Road awarded

Roundabout project at I-8 and Araby Road awarded

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Roundabout project at I-8 and Araby Road awarded

Roundabout project at I-8 and Araby Road awarded

June 16, 2017

YUMA – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction of two new roundabouts at the interchange of Interstate 8 and Araby Road in Yuma this summer in order to help traffic flow in a busy area and accommodate future growth.

On Friday, the Arizona State Transportation Board awarded an $8 million contract to J. Banicki Construction Inc. with an expedited start date to begin the first phase of the project in mid-July.

ADOT required an expedited start date so phase one of construction, which will occur on the north side of the interchange, will be complete when the agricultural season begins in November. Phase two of construction on the south side of the interchange is scheduled for summer through fall 2018.

“It was critical for us to phase the work in such a way that we would not impact the busy agricultural season,” said Paul Patane, district engineer in ADOT’s Southwest District.

One roundabout will be located north of I-8 and serve Araby Road and the westbound ramps. The other roundabout will be south of I-8 and serve Araby Road, the eastbound ramps and Gila Ridge Road. Both roundabouts are designed to accommodate large commercial trucks, agricultural equipment and recreational vehicles. Several area trucking and agricultural businesses provided input on the design to ensure that even the largest trucks can navigate through the roundabouts.

Drivers should expect delays and detours during both phases of construction, as lane restrictions on I-8 and ramp closures at Gila Ridge and Araby roads will be necessary. Alternate routes will include Avenue 8 ½ E and Avenue 3E. ADOT will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction on Araby Road, but drivers should plan for reduced speed limits and delays.

The project, which is funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, also includes storm drains, a retention basin, concrete barriers and retaining walls, as well as lighting and landscaping.

The intersection of I-8 and Araby Road is among the busiest in Yuma and is used by approximately 22,000 vehicles per day. The new roundabouts will provide a high level of service beyond traffic projections for 2035 and fit into the existing ADOT right-of-way.

Modern roundabout coming to Giss Parkway exit on I-8

Modern roundabout coming to Giss Parkway exit on I-8

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Modern roundabout coming to Giss Parkway exit on I-8

Modern roundabout coming to Giss Parkway exit on I-8

March 22, 2017

YUMA – A modern roundabout that will make it easier for drivers to exit westbound Interstate 8 at Giss Parkway in Yuma should be ready for travelers this fall.

The $2.5 million project to replace the existing intersection of the westbound I-8 exit at Giss will begin Monday, March 27. It is the first of three major Arizona Department of Transportation projects planned for the Yuma area in 2017. Work also is scheduled for the 4th Avenue Gateway area and the Araby Road interchange with I-8.

The Giss Parkway roundabout will be the first involving I-8 in the Yuma area. It will be similar to a smaller traffic circle on Giss at South Madison Avenue.

“Modern roundabouts are designed to move traffic more efficiently without the use of traffic lights,” said Paul Patane, ADOT’s Southwest District engineer. “ADOT has used modern roundabouts in other parts of the state and they have proven to move traffic smoothly and safely without the long delays that can come with traffic signals and stop signs.”

Traffic entering Giss from westbound I-8 will enter the roundabout, yielding to eastbound traffic, continuing around the circle and then driving toward Yuma City Hall. The roundabout will eliminate the stop sign that currently controls traffic.

The seven-month project also includes realigning westbound I-8 as well as the on- and off-ramps at Giss. Improved lighting, signage and drainage, as well as accommodations for cyclists, will be part of the improvement project.

The westbound I-8 ramps will be closed during the work. Drivers are encouraged to use US 95/16th Street or Winterhaven Drive in California as alternate routes.

Beginning this spring at the 4th Avenue Gateway, ADOT will add a right-turn lane and a 10-foot shared use path from 1st Avenue along the east side of 4th Avenue to the Yuma Canal bridge. The $773,000, seven-month project also includes rehabilitating the Yuma Crossing historic land marker.

At Araby Road and I-8, ADOT will add two modern roundabouts, one on each side of the freeway. Work will begin on the north side of the freeway this summer, pause for the produce harvest season, and resume in 2018.

The Araby interchange is one of the busiest intersections in Yuma with about 22,000 vehicles a day. The roundabouts, which will be large enough for commercial trucks, will improve driver safety and traffic flow. The cost of the project is $8.1 million.

Arizona on track for federal grant advancing I-10 improvements

Arizona on track for federal grant advancing I-10 improvements

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona on track for federal grant advancing I-10 improvements

Arizona on track for federal grant advancing I-10 improvements

July 6, 2016

PHOENIX – Arizona is on track to receive a $54 million federal grant helping fund two key widening projects, and adding traffic-management technology that includes a dust storm detection and warning system, along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson.

Members of Arizona’s congressional delegation have informed the Arizona Department of Transportation that the U.S. Department of Transportation has recommended awarding the FASTLANE grant under a program established by the 2015 FAST Act. This highly competitive program made $800 million in federal funds available to state departments of transportation.

Formal notification of FASTLANE grants is expected after a 60-day congressional review period.

“This is a major step forward as ADOT continually works to improve the I-10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This corridor carries as many as 120,000 vehicles per day, and about 30 percent of those vehicles are trucks. It’s a highway that is vital to freight traffic and the need to keep Arizona competitive by accommodating daily business and travel needs.”

The anticipated award is for three projects on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson:

  • Realigning and widening four miles in the Picacho area to three lanes in each direction while reconstructing the interchange with State Route 87.
  • Widening four miles between Interstate 8 and Earley Road to three lanes in each direction while upgrading ramps at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard near Casa Grande.
  • Making technology enhancements to improve traffic management and safety, including remote sensors to provide early warning of approaching dust.

The total cost of the I-10 improvement projects is $157.5 million. ADOT will provide $103.5 million of that amount.

The U.S. Department of Transportation evaluated 212 applications from states requesting a total of $9.8 billion for transportation projects, more than 10 times the available funding.

The two I-10 widening projects in the FASTLANE grant are included in ADOT’s 2017-2021 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which the State Transportation Board adopted in June. These two projects were accelerated from ADOT’s six-to-10-year development program due to additional funding through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.

The 2017 budget signed by Governor Ducey included $30 million toward the I-10 widening projects, money that will be used as part of ADOT’s matching funds.

“We appreciate Governor Ducey and the members of the Arizona Legislature for supporting critical transportation projects in the state,” Halikowski said. “As one of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, I-10 is an important route for travelers, commerce and international trade. This combination of state and federal funding will be a tremendous help to modernizing the highway.”

Once the two I-10 widening projects are complete, ADOT will have reached its goal of widening the entire stretch of I-10 between Casa Grande and Tucson to a six-lane divided highway.

Expect restrictions on Interstate 8 in Yuma next week

Expect restrictions on Interstate 8 in Yuma next week

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Expect restrictions on Interstate 8 in Yuma next week

Expect restrictions on Interstate 8 in Yuma next week

June 3, 2016

PHOENIX – Drivers traveling along Interstate 8 in Yuma should expect delays next week as Arizona Department of Transportation crews make improvements to the pavement between the California state line and Fortuna Road.

Drivers should expect one-lane restrictions on sections of the freeway between midnight and 3 p.m. each day. On Monday, June 6, the right lane will be closed in both directions from the state line to Avenue 3E (exit 3). On Tuesday, the left lanes will be closed.

Wednesday and Thursday, June 8-9, the process will be repeated from Avenue 3E to east of Araby Road. On Friday, June 10, lane restrictions will be in place for six miles, from Araby Road to Fortuna Road (exit 12).

During right lane closures on June 6, June 8 and June 10, entrance and exit ramps within each day’s work zone will be closed for about one hour between midnight and 5 a.m. Drivers should follow electronic signs for an alternate route.

Speed limits during the work will remain at the posted 65 mph. Drivers should be alert because there will be no lane lines in the work zone until the end of the project.

ADOT to begin improvements on Interstate 8 near Casa Grande

ADOT to begin improvements on Interstate 8 near Casa Grande

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to begin improvements on Interstate 8 near Casa Grande

ADOT to begin improvements on Interstate 8 near Casa Grande

October 23, 2015

PHOENIX ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing approximately nine miles of Interstate 8 near Casa Grande on Monday, Oct. 26.

The $7.3 million improvement project in Pinal County will extend from Bianco Road to the Interstate 10 junction (mileposts 170-179) and will include pavement treatments at Santa Cruz Bridge, Thornton Road, Trekell Road, Peart Road and the I-8/I-10 ramp.

On Oct. 26, I-8 will be reduced to one lane in each direction at Peart Road (mileposts 175-176) in Casa Grande from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lane restrictions will be in effect for the duration of the project as well as a 55 mph speed limit through the work zone. Those traveling through the area are reminded to share the road, be cautious and slow down.

In addition to removing and replacing pavement, the project will include new box culvert pipe extensions, pavement markings, cattle guards and lowering Thornton Road to meet the new bridge height of 16 feet.

The project is expected to be completed in summer 2016.

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. For highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Information also is available on ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT).

Big sign offers huge welcome to Grand Canyon State

Big sign offers huge welcome to Grand Canyon State

SR24-1

Big sign offers huge welcome to Grand Canyon State

Big sign offers huge welcome to Grand Canyon State

June 3, 2011

Most of the signs ADOT produces have to be pretty big so drivers can read them, but one of the newest is simply massive…

At 16x16 feet, a new sign welcoming motorists to Arizona is among the tallest in the state. It recently was installed on Interstate 8 near Yuma; however, it was made in Phoenix , and as you can imagine, moving a sign that size isn’t a simple task (see video above and photo slideshow below).

At roughly 1,000 pounds, the sign is so tall that it needed to be split in half for transport. Both halves were hoisted with a crane and put onto a trailer on moving day. After the nearly 200-mile journey, six ADOT crew members worked for about two hours to unload the sign and attach it three posts.

It was a big job, but the crew has plenty of experience installing signs around the state. Signs, markers and signals actually are a top priority for several organizational work groups, or orgs, within ADOT’s Traffic Engineering Group.

The ADOT employees in these groups paint stripes, keep an inventory of all sorts of highway traffic items and assemble and maintain traffic signal controllers. They also get to build, install and maintain the signs you see on your commute every day.

They built the huge welcome sign … it took just about four hours to assemble after all the components were fabricated because of their skill.

Welcome to Arizona

Besides its size, another thing drivers might notice is how reflective the new sign is at night. That’s because it was made using a reflective sign sheeting material that is cut out and directly applied to the aluminum background. Tiny, microscopic prisms are embedded into the material that allow more light to be reflected back to motorists and at greater angles than were possible in the past.

This type of sheeting has been in use for the past several years. It allows almost two seconds more notice for drivers traveling at highway speeds (about 150 feet at highway speeds) than the previous type of sheeting available on the market.

A few more facts about the new sign …

  • There are eight freeway-sized “welcome” signs in Arizona – one at each freeway entrance.

  • The old sign will be recycled …the sheeting will be removed and the panels can then be used as the background to make any sign. ADOT saves about $4 a square foot by doing this and has been recycling signs long before it became fashionable.

  • The sign being replaced is from the 1990s.

  • The enormous sign was secured to three I-beam posts. Over 96 post clips and 240 bolts were used to build the sign.

So be on the look out if you’re traveling to California and heading back on I-8. You’re in for a pretty impressive welcome to the Grand Canyon State!