ADOT to begin improvements on I-10 near Marsh Station interchange east of Tucson this November

ADOT to begin improvements on I-10 near Marsh Station interchange east of Tucson this November

Old Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge to be removed as part of the project

 

 

TUCSON – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction this fall to improve a segment of Interstate 10 approximately 15 miles west of Benson (mileposts 288-291).

 

Major features of the $17.2 million project, which is located about 1.5 miles west of the new Marsh Station traffic interchange, include:

•       Removal of the existing Pantano Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Bridge
•       Construction of two new bridges at Cienega Creek
•       Reconstruction and realignment of the westbound lanes of I-10
•       Reconstruction of the eastbound lanes of I-10
•       Widening the median

 

Other work will consist of Cienega Creek bank protection, the construction of a retaining wall, new drainage and safety features, plus salvaging and replanting the existing natural landscaping.

The road realignment will allow for the construction of a median that will enhance safety and lessen traffic impacts when the bridges are built. To ensure that the highway is not impacted by water flowing in Cienega Creek during heavy rains, the new bridges will be higher than the existing bridges.

 

The safety improvement project will be completed in two phases. Phase one will begin in November with the reconstruction and realignment of westbound I-10. The next phase will include reconstruction of eastbound I-10 and is scheduled to begin in early summer 2013.

 

There will be minimal traffic impacts with two lanes of traffic remaining open through the work zone during each phase. There will be occasional night work requiring lane closures, as well as a full closure of I-10 when the old Pantano Bridge is removed early next year.

 

By removing the Pantano Bridge, most commercial trucks will be able to travel on I-10 through the project area. The old bridge is too low for many of today’s taller trucks, which are currently required to take a 67-mile detour along state routes 83, 82 and 90.

 

The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2014.

 

ADOT will use roadway signs, traffic alerts, news media announcements and the project website to provide the public with information about traffic impacts. Motorists may visit www.azdot.gov/I10.Marsh_Station_Area_Improvement to learn about the project.

 

The project schedule is subject to change due to a variety of reasons, including weather, availability of materials, and mechanical difficulties. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through or near work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

For more information, please contact ADOT Tucson District Senior Community Relations Officer Linda Ritter, at 520-388-4266, lritter@azdot.gov or ADOT Community Relations Officer Paki Rico, at 520-388-4233, prico@azdot.gov.

Visit www.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

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