SR 24

ADOT’s SR 24 extension in southeast Valley wins regional honor

ADOT’s SR 24 extension in southeast Valley wins regional honor

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s SR 24 extension in southeast Valley wins regional honor

ADOT’s SR 24 extension in southeast Valley wins regional honor

September 27, 2023

Expressway stretching 4.5 miles has improved mobility in growing area

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s 4.5-mile State Route 24 extension that improved access in the southeast Valley has received a regional Best Projects Award from a leading industry publication.

Engineering News-Record magazine honored SR 24: Gateway to the Southeast Valley in the Highways/Bridges category among projects in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. 

ADOT’s project created a four-lane expressway that opened in August 2022 between Ellsworth Road and Ironwood Drive along the Maricopa/Pinal county line. The segment provides a new east-west route to help ease traffic in a growing area that includes parts of Mesa and Queen Creek.

Designed by Stanley Consultants and constructed by FNF Construction, the project was completed on time and within budget, in collaboration with the Maricopa Association of Governments, Maricopa County and the Town of Queen Creek.

The highway was constructed initially as an interim expressway with two lanes in each direction, setting the stage for eventual expansion to a freeway with three general purpose lanes in each direction plus an HOV lane.

Completed in two years, the expressway features intersections at Williams Field Road, Signal Butte Road, Meridian Road and Ironwood Drive, with on- and off-ramp connections at Ellsworth Road.

Winning projects will be honored in Engineering News-Record’s Oct. 30 issue and at a luncheon in Phoenix on Oct. 31. They also are considered for the magazine’s Best of the Best Awards to be presented next spring.

Give some attention to SR 24's box culverts

Give some attention to SR 24's box culverts

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Give some attention to SR 24's box culverts

Give some attention to SR 24's box culverts

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
February 2, 2021

We who oversee the ADOT blog love it when new constructions gets underway, mainly because we get to dive deep into the process of taking a project from idea to fully finished road.

That's the case right now with the interim expansion of State Route 24 from Ellsworth Road to Ironwood Drive in the southeast Valley. Preliminary work kicked off before the holidays, but now that it's a new year, drivers can expect to see construction in earnest. 

Which brings us once again around to taking a look at highway construction. Part of the work people might see happening right now is construction of a box culvert near Williams Field. 

Okay, so box culverts. You've probably seen them all your life, but haven't given them much thought. We don't blame you. On the scale of engineering complexity, their design is kind of simple. But that contrasts with their function, which is an all important concern when it comes to road building: moving water. The purpose of a culvert is to help water flow along a channel in such a way to keep it from washing away a road or a bridge. They can come in a variety of shapes - for example round or square - and materials - like either concrete or metal. Depending on a variety of factors such as an expected flow of water, you can have one culvert or multiple ones together. 

We think you get the point. Box cuverts: simple, yet super important. Let's now tie it back to where we started, the ones being built on SR 24 near Williams Field.

The photo here gives you a little perspective on how you go about installing culverts. For reference, the image you see is the inside of the culvert. One of the first things you'll notice is the wooden bracing inside. As we told you about in another blog, that's called falsework. It's job is to help hold up the shape of the culvert until the cement is dried and the whole thing is self supporting. That's what happening here; cement was being poured for the walls and deck the day this photo was taken. 

The blog we just mentioned will also teach you about sand jacks and how the falsework is removed after the cement sets. We may be a bit biased, but we think its pretty fascinating.

With construction expected to last through fall of 2020, expect to see more work like this as we extend two lanes of highway in each direction between Ironwood and Ellsworth, and add bridges over Ellsworth and Mountain roads with additional intersections at Williams Field, Signal Butte and Meridian roads. And, as with all highway projects, you can sign up for traffic alerts and other updates on the project page on the ADOT website. 

If this small glimpse has not scratched your box culvert itch, you can check out the full Flickr gallery of the construction below.

SR 24 Interim Phase II: Ellsworth Road to Ironwood Drive project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR 24 about to hit a growth spurt

SR 24 about to hit a growth spurt

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SR 24 about to hit a growth spurt

SR 24 about to hit a growth spurt

By David Rookhuyzen/ ADOT Communications
December 14, 2020

Those of you with younger siblings might remember being able to them push around ... that is, until they hit a growth spurt and suddenly they towered over you.

We think State Route 24 is soon going to feel like that not-so-little-anymore sibling.

For years, SR 24 has been the runt of the state highway system, a 1-mile whelp of a freeway that serves drivers in the southeast Valley. Don't get us wrong, it's an important connection that has helped people coming and going from east Mesa, Queen Creek and Santan Valley. Now it's time for it to grow up a little.

Work on extending the road to Ironwood Drive – adding some five new miles of road – has already started. This is an interim expansion. This section of SR 24 is starting as a four-lane divided highway, with it slated to be built out as a full-fledged freeway in the future, as outlined in the the Maricopa Association of Government's regional transportation plan. We guess you could say that, in highway terms, that makes it a teenager.

Right now everthing that's happening is preliminary work, things such as environmental surveys and preparing the corridor for the eventual construction. But expect to see road work begin in earnest in early 2021. Work is anticipated to continue through fall of 2022, or between 20 and 24 months. 

In addition to extending two lanes of highway in each direction between Ironwood and Ellsworth, the project will add bridges over Ellsworth and Mountain roads with additional intersections at Williams Field, Signal Butte and Meridian roads. 

With growth always comes some growing pains. Drivers should expect several months of traffic restrictions at Ellsworth to build the new bridges, along with lane closures and detours at other important road crossings. Most of the construction is scheduled Monday through Friday during the day, but there will be some night and weekend work required for bridge work, concrete pouring, asphalt paving and other temperature-sensitive activities. 

If you want to keep track of SR 24's growth, you can sign up for traffic alerts and other updates on the project's page on our website. Don't be surprised if you also see us post photos on this blog from time to time.

We are excited for the improved travel times and accessiblity the expansion is projected to bring to the area and think that those living out that way will like what they see once everything is wrapped up.

Our only concern is that SR 24's growth spurt just might make the 3.5-mile State Route 143 jealous... 

State budget provides funding for full I-17 widening project north of Valley

State budget provides funding for full I-17 widening project north of Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State budget provides funding for full I-17 widening project north of Valley

State budget provides funding for full I-17 widening project north of Valley

May 31, 2019

PHOENIX – With planned Interstate 17 flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point set for construction starting by 2021, the state budget approved by state lawmakers and signed by Governor Doug Ducey provides the additional funding needed to also complete widening I-17 south of where the flex system will be built.

This $130 million investment to complete new third lanes in both directions of I-17 between Anthem and Black Canyon City is one of many in the budget that will expand and preserve transportation infrastructure across Arizona. Appropriations from the State General Fund include $10 million for an ADOT study on adding lanes to Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and $10.5 million for preserving state highways to extend the life of existing pavement.

“As Governor Ducey and members of the legislature recognize, investing in critical transportation infrastructure will drive Arizona’s 21st century economy. Our leaders are investing today to support Arizona’s future prosperity,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “As we expand critical commerce corridors and safeguard our state’s $22.6 billion investment in our transportation system, it’s equally important to keep roads in our rural communities safe and reliable.”

In addition to baseline funding for transportation and infrastructure, the budget includes more than $95 million in appropriations from the State General Fund for targeted transportation projects that will improve safety and spur economic development in Greater Arizona. This includes $28 million for expanding US 95 between Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground, that region’s largest employer. There is $20 million to help build two Interstate 40 interchanges needed to accommodate growth in Kingman, with the city providing the remainder of the funding required.

ADOT has been working to advance projects to improve traffic flow and safety along 23 miles of I-17 between Anthem and Sunset Point north of Phoenix. More than $190 million was already committed to building flex lanes north of Black Canyon City as well as adding 7 miles of a third southbound lane directly south of that project.

Investing an additional $130 million over three years will allow ADOT to complete all sections of new third lanes between Anthem and Black Canyon City. Combined with the flex lanes, this increased capacity will enhance safety and help address traffic flow challenges and backups that occur due to crashes and when many drivers are traveling to or from Arizona’s high country on summer weekends.

The Maricopa Association of Governments is providing $50 million in regional funds to help fund the widening of I-17 between Black Canyon City and Anthem.

The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep 8 miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. With gates at each end and separated by concrete barrier from the current southbound lanes, the flex lanes will be able to carry heavier northbound traffic on a Friday or southbound traffic on a Sunday. They also can keep traffic moving if there is a closure in that stretch.

Required environmental studies for the I-17 corridor are scheduled to be completed by this summer, with the projects scheduled for completion by 2023.

The budget commits $10 million from the State General Fund to an ADOT study, in collaboration with the Maricopa Association of Governments and Gila River Indian Community, on adding a lane in each direction and improving interchanges on I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Completing a design concept report and environmental study will determine needs and costs, and establish how the improvements will be phased. This process is on track to begin this year with an accelerated 18-month timeline.

The $51.1 million in funds, including $10.5 million in additional funding from the State General Fund, will allow ADOT to preserve the road surface along more miles of state highway through treatments known as fog seals and chip seals. These investments are critical to extend the life of existing pavement by sealing road surfaces against the ravages of weather, heavy use and time.

The budget’s other transportation infrastructure investments from the State General Fund include:

  • $18 million for counties and cities and towns
  • $10 million for local aviation projects
  • $6.5 million for Mesa to construct a State Route 24 bridge over Ellsworth Road
  • $2.8 million for Globe to repair or replace the Jesse Hayes Road over Pinal Creek

Transportation Trivia: The long and the short of Arizona’s highways

Transportation Trivia: The long and the short of Arizona’s highways

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Transportation Trivia: The long and the short of Arizona’s highways

Transportation Trivia: The long and the short of Arizona’s highways

August 17, 2016

I-10

By Caroline Carpenter / ADOT Communications

We could make a long story short and just tell you which Arizona highways are the longest and the shortest, but like many stories the answer isn’t quite that easy.

Longest Arizona highway

At 517 miles long, US 191 is Arizona’s longest highway. It starts in southern Arizona, near the Mexico border. The road continues north to the Utah state line, where it ends at milepost 517. The longest interstate in Arizona is Interstate 10, stretching 391 miles across the state and passing through both Phoenix and Tucson.

Shortest Arizona highway

The Grand Canyon state has many shorter highways, including the six-mile long State Route 587 in central Arizona and State Routes 473 and 564, both under 10 miles. The shortest, at 1.5 miles, is State Route 24 in Mesa. It's the newest highway in the state system and officially opened two years ago. SR 24 connects Loop 202 Santan Freeway and Ellsworth Road near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This highway won't always be the shortest, as it eventually will connect with the proposed North-South transportation corridor planned for Pinal County.

At less than five miles, the second-shortest highway is State Route 143, otherwise known at the Hohokam Expressway, in Phoenix.

A map of Arizona's highway system is available on az511.gov.

State Route 24 freeway connection opens in Mesa

State Route 24 freeway connection opens in Mesa

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 24 freeway connection opens in Mesa

State Route 24 freeway connection opens in Mesa

May 4, 2014

PHOENIX – Drivers will be able to travel the Valley’s newest freeway connection during the Monday morning commute. The first mile of State Route 24, the Gateway Freeway, is complete and was opened to traffic late this afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The new freeway segment includes a direct freeway-to-freeway interchange connecting State Route 24 to the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway).

The one-mile stretch of SR 24 between Loop 202 and Ellsworth Road provides improved access to development in the region surrounding Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Future plans call for State Route 24 to connect with the proposed North-South transportation corridor in Pinal County.

Construction of the $73 million dollar SR 24 project kicked off in March 2012. The City of Mesa accelerated the start of construction by several years through a transportation-bonding program.

Governor Jan Brewer, former Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, ADOT Director John Halikowski and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Executive Director Jane Morris took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 15 to celebrate the new freeway. Community members also had a chance to walk, bike, and jog on the Gateway Freeway.

Gov. Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate SR 24

Gov. Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate SR 24

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Gov. Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate SR 24

Gov. Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate SR 24

April 16, 2014

SR 24 Ribbon Cutting (April 15, 2014)

You don’t often have the chance to walk, bike or skate on a highway…

But yesterday, many people did just that as ADOT and the city of Mesa hosted a celebration on the soon-to-be-opened Gateway Freeway (SR 24). The new one-mile stretch was the site of a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public “open house” (see slideshow above).

More about SR 24

You might remember that it was nearly two years ago when we told you about the start of construction on SR 24 and how the city of Mesa accelerated the start of construction by several years through a transportation bonding-program.

Now that the road is just about finished (ADOT plans to complete construction and open the freeway to motorists early next month), drivers soon will be able to use SR 24 to connect directly from the Loop 202 Santan Freeway to Ellsworth Road near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The new section will improve access to the nearby airport and other local businesses and housing developments.

At yesterday’s event, ADOT Director John Halikowski said future plans call for extending SR 24 when regional and state funding is available.

“It will connect to the proposed North-South transportation corridor currently being planned in Pinal County,” said Halikowski. “Ultimately, the freeway will link this region – its airport, businesses and communities – to the statewide highway system and what we call the Key Commerce Corridors. These are the routes that will help boost trade and job growth, ensuring Arizona’s seat at the table of the global economy.”

For more on SR 24, revisit some of our previous posts.

Governor Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate new Gateway Freeway during preview event

Governor Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate new Gateway Freeway during preview event

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate new Gateway Freeway during preview event

Governor Brewer, Mesa officials help ADOT dedicate new Gateway Freeway during preview event

April 16, 2014

PHOENIX – The soon-to-be-opened Gateway Freeway project in Mesa was touted Tuesday as an example of a wise economic investment for the state and region.

The new one-mile stretch of freeway, also known as State Route 24, will connect the Loop 202 Santan Freeway with Ellsworth Road near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and public “open house” event were held on the freeway Tuesday afternoon. The Arizona Department of Transportation plans to complete construction and open the freeway to motorists early next month.

Governor Jan Brewer told an audience gathered on the freeway that improving the state’s transportation system will be a key part of the “Arizona Comeback.”

 

“Economic development is the foundation of a prosperous and livable community, and transportation infrastructure is central to that economic growth,” said Governor Brewer.

The Governor noted that State Route 24 is set to serve a growing corridor that will bring thousands of well-paying jobs to the state, many of them in technology, aerospace and other skilled labor industries.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the city made a smart decision to advance the new freeway’s construction by several years through a transportation-bonding program.

“The Gateway Freeway project involved economic foresight,” said Mayor Smith. “Our city’s decision to accelerate the construction has saved taxpayers more than $100 million. An important stretch of freeway is now in place and will open up the area, which includes the new Apple plant, to additional economic opportunities."

The Arizona Department of Transportation and city of Mesa hosted Tuesday’s event, which provided community members with a chance to walk, skate and ride bicycles on the freeway’s pavement ahead of its scheduled opening in early May.

ADOT Director John Halikowski said future plans call for extending State Route 24 when regional and state funding is available.

“It will connect to the proposed North-South transportation corridor currently being planned in Pinal County,” said Halikowski. “Ultimately, the freeway will link this region – its airport, businesses and communities – to the statewide highway system and what we call the Key Commerce Corridors. These are the routes that will help boost trade and job growth, ensuring Arizona’s seat at the table of the global economy.”

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

April 9, 2014

PHOENIX – It’s time to show off the first stretch of State Route 24, the Gateway Freeway, which is nearing completion in Mesa. Before the mile-long segment of SR 24 between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Ellsworth Road is finished early next month, the Arizona Department of Transportation and City of Mesa will host an “Open House” celebration on the freeway from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15.

Community members and visitors are invited to walk, jog, bike or skate on the Gateway Freeway pavement and get an up-close look at the interchange that includes elevated ramps providing direct connections with Loop 202.

Those attending the celebration will be able to enter the event by using the freeway on-ramp from southbound Ellsworth Road south of Ray Road. Signs along southbound Ellsworth Road will help direct guests to the event.

Governor Jan Brewer, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, ADOT Director John Halikowski and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Executive Director Jane Morris are expected to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The new section of State Route 24 will provide a direct connection between the Santan Freeway and Ellsworth Road, improving access to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and other local business and housing developments.

Construction of the $73 million project began in March 2012. The City of Mesa accelerated the start of construction by several years through a transportation-bonding program.

Construction accident occurs on SR 24 project site

Construction accident occurs on SR 24 project site

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Construction accident occurs on SR 24 project site

Construction accident occurs on SR 24 project site

June 19, 2013

A temporary support structure collapsed this morning, killing one worker and seriously injuring another.

The construction accident, which happened at approximately 6 a.m. today (June 19) on the SR 24 project site, will be investigated by ADOT and the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration division to determine the cause.

Work stopped for today. ADOT will work with the contractor and OSHA to determine when construction will resume.

“We want the public to know that ADOT works to put safety as the first priority every day and as part of the investigation we’ll be looking at not only what happened here, but the lessons that we can learn to take to other projects around the state,” says ADOT Assistant Communications Director Tim Tait in the video above.