Since ADOT outlined ambitious plans earlier this year to widen I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande, we’ve been talking a lot about new, wider bridges that will carry the Interstate over the Gila River.

The actual construction will generate even more news coverage, but it turns out there’s already another bridge replacement project underway on the Gila River. We figure it’s time to put the spotlight on that lesser-known bridge that’s taking shape east of I-10 in Florence.

The project began in February where State Route 79 crosses the normally dry riverbed. Crews are now working to construct bridge girders for the new structure and are already 36 percent complete with the $22.1 million project.

The work requires overnight restrictions and delays at times, and that will be the case for two weeks, beginning Monday, July 18.

One benefit to drivers is ADOT developed the replacement project with an innovative plan that keeps both lanes of traffic open on SR 79 during peak hours aside from a few days of lane restrictions toward the end of the project. That’s because crews are constructing the bridge in two halves - one on each side of the existing structure - and will slide the pieces together later on.

If you look at the project photos, you’ll see some new piers are already in place under the existing bridge while also extending out on either side. That extra width is where each new bridge half will be constructed.

Eventually, crews will dismantle the existing structure and then slide the segments into their permanent home. That will require two weekends in which the bridge is restricted to a single lane, and a temporary traffic signal will allow only one direction of traffic to flow at a time. 

Throughout the project, drivers should expect a reduced speed limit and occasional lane restrictions. Also, some overnight vehicles may need to use an alternate route. For safety purposes, pedestrians, bicyclists and offroad vehicles are asked to stay out of the work zone in the riverbed and use an alternate route.

The project in Florence is expected to be complete in 2023, which is when ADOT anticipates work will begin to widen the Gila River bridges on I-10. So if you’re a regular traveler on either highway, be prepared to see some big improvements unfolding for the next few years.

On this Memorial Day, a special thank you to Adopt a Highway Volunteer program groups – over 400 statewide, who gather at adopted segments during the year to clear litter in remembrance of beloved family members, both human and furry. Expressing honor by serving the community is a choice ADOT understands and appreciates. 

Traveling northbound toward Show Low on US 60, watch for a mile dedicated to Melissa Pomeroy. For the past three years, Melissa’s sign greets motorists at mileposts 334 and 335. Melissa unexpectedly passed in 2014 at the age of 49, but her twin Michelle keeps her sister’s memory alive within their family. Since 2018, Michelle has participated in the Adopt a Highway Volunteer program and organizes cleanups a couple times a year, mostly with family members. 

South of Florence Junction at SR 79 milepost 144, a memorial sign stands at attention to a brave young Marine.

Headed to Payson? The family of Jonathan T. Orcutt adopted a segment to care for on SR 87 at milepost 189 near Fountain Hills in remembrance of their son. Jonathan’s family clears litter along this segment more than three times per year, which is proudly displayed on the Outstanding Volunteer Placard below the recognition sign in the photo. 

Adopt a Highway recognition signs hold a maximum of 40 characters to express the name of the volunteer group, which may include a sentiment and name.

“Sometimes, expressing how you would like the sign to read in 40 letters can be a challenge. Adopt a Highway permit coordinators understand and will gladly assist volunteer group leaders to maximize a memorial sentiment printed on the sign,” said Mary Currie, the Adopt a Highway program manager. 

In Arizona littering is getting worse. If you are interested in caring for a segment of state highway, we welcome civic-minded groups and individuals that are interested in helping to reduce litter in Arizona by gathering as a group to collect litter a few times per year. Please visit the Adopt a Highway website to learn how.