Just in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays, ADOT has completed the new Cordes Junction ‘flyover’ bridge, which is now open to traffic!

This new overpass lifts northbound I-17 traffic headed to the Prescott area over the highway and connects directly to northbound SR 69.

The busy Cordes Junction traffic interchange sits right between Flagstaff and Phoenix. Because it was built nearly 50 years ago – when traffic volumes were not nearly as large what they are today – ADOT has been working to remake it into an updated, modern interchange. When completed, the new design will make it easier for drivers to connect to other northern communities, including Prescott, while improving traffic flow and safety.

A major accomplishment
A big component of the $50 million project was the completion of the new flyover bridge. Due to the outdated design of the previous interchange, slower local traffic destined for the businesses and residences in the Cordes Lakes area, were forced to mix with the high speed traffic at this busy interchange, which serves over 40,000 vehicles per day.

“Completing the new flyover bridge is a major milestone on this Cordes Junction traffic interchange reconstruction project,” said Prescott District Engineer Alvin Stump. “The interchange was built almost 50 years ago when traffic volumes were much lower and it mixes local and through traffic, resulting in congestion and delays. This updated interchange will not only be able to handle the future growth in this area, but also make it safer for all drivers.”

More on the project
After beginning construction in August 2011, ADOT is entering the final stages after having completed over 80 percent of the project. ADOT is on target to complete the project as scheduled by June 2013.

The remaining major work yet to be completed includes opening the new southbound Big Bug Bridge and east roundabout near the McDonalds restaurant, and repaving I-17 and SR 69.

Improvements to the interchange will increase accessibility to local businesses, provide more efficient traffic movements for those traveling through the area, and prepare for future traffic demands. The project includes seven new bridges, three local roads (Copper Star Road, Arcosanti Road, Stagecoach Trail), installation of two roundabouts, as well as improvements to local storm water drainage.

Just last month we blogged about a project that’s under way on I-17 and SR 69 in Cordes Junction.

So, maybe you’re wondering why we’re bringing it up again so soon …

Well, we’re blogging about it today because we’ve got an awesome new video (see above) that details the entire project and shows footage from January when crews installed some precast girders – a milestone in the construction.

When all the work is complete – around summer 2013 – motorists are going to have a much easier time maneuvering the interchange that sits halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. That’s because the project includes:

• New bridges on SR 69
• The removal of the outdated on- and off-ramps
• A new I-17 interchange
• Two new bridges and ramps built over I-17 to connect with SR 69
• The construction of a new Arcosanti Road, along with the realignment of Copper Star Road and Stagecoach Trail.

“I think this is going to be a major center for the folks around here and also for the state of Arizona,” Cordes Junction business owner Jerry Schultz says in the video above.

It’s the one that sits right between Flagstaff and Phoenix and serves about 13,000 vehicles a day (that’s in addition to the more than 27,000 vehicles that travel daily on I-17 at the junction of SR 69). It also provides access to Prescott, Arcosanti and surrounding communities, along with gas stations, restaurants and other services for travelers.

Believe it or not, the busy interchange was built nearly 50 years ago – back when traffic volumes were nowhere near what they are today.

It’s time for an update!

A project is now under way that’s going to result in a new, modern interchange designed to handle the area’s growing needs. Work started in August and by the time construction is finished (in about two years) some of the new features will include …

• New bridges on SR 69
• The removal of the outdated on- and off-ramps
• A new I-17 interchange constructed north of the existing interchange
• Two new bridges and ramps built over I-17 to connect with SR 69
• The construction of a new Arcosanti Road along with the realignment of Copper Star Road and Stagecoach Trail.

The current intersection design forces local and through traffic to mix, which causes congestion and safety concerns. The brand new interchange will be able to separate local and highway traffic, leading to improved traffic flow and safety.

Project area map.

Recent traffic shift
Crews are now working to build the bridge structures over I-17 and just last week a traffic “shift” was put into place that will allow work to continue over the highway.

Overnight on Dec. 29 crews temporarily moved southbound I-17 traffic onto the northbound side of I-17.

The detour will be in place until the bridges are complete. But don’t worry … I-17 still has two lanes in each direction within the work zone and the lanes are separated by temporary barrier walls. Drivers also should be aware the southbound I-17 speed limit is reduced to 55 mph. Temporary construction detours also are in place along SR 69 near I-17 (see map).

Work is being completed in four phases (right now, we’re in phase two). Each phase has been designed to minimize the impact to the local community and travelers while maximizing cost-effective procedures.

For more details on the interchange and information on what future construction phases entail, stay tuned … we’ll keep you updated as the project progresses!