FLAGSTAFF – Progress on replacing the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 in west Flagstaff has reached a milestone as reconstruction of the inside lanes on each bridge is complete. 

Since the project’s start in March, drivers have been using the right lanes in each direction to pass through the work zone. Now, drivers on I-40 eastbound have been shifted to the left lanes so crews can begin the next phase of reconstructing the outside lanes. The traffic shift for westbound will occur Thursday night.

ADOT anticipates completing the second half of the I-40 bridges this fall before the project goes into hiatus for the winter. Two lanes will be open in each direction during the hiatus.

The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. These bridges pass over Business 40, which connects the interstate to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff.

This project is part of the $275 million investment ADOT has made over the last five years to improve bridges and pavement along the 360-mile Interstate 40 corridor.

Over the last few years, ADOT has replaced or rehabilitated a few I-40 bridges in the Flagstaff area, including the I-40 bridges over Beulah Boulevard and over I-17 as well as the Fourth Street bridge in east Flagstaff. 

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northcentral District.

Drivers in northern Arizona should prepare for traffic shifts and lane restrictions on Interstate 40 at Exit 191 in west Flagstaff as crews continue project work to replace a bridge, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

This location is approximately three miles west of the I-40 interchange with Interstate 17. 

Eastbound I-40 will be reduced to one lane and traffic shifted to the north side of the roadway beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 23. A similar shift will occur on Friday, July 29 for the westbound lanes. In addition, there will be a 15-foot vehicle width limit in place and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph. These restrictions will be in place through mid-fall this year. 

Ongoing restrictions at this location include the closure of the on- and off-ramps as well as the crossroad under the bridge. 

The project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2022.