The Interstate 10 reconstruction project in Tucson is all about making the local transportation better. This project started in the spring and has already made great progress, transforming a 4-mile stretch of Interstate 10. It’s a big project, but the goal is clear – to make the highway between Ina and Ruthrauff roads better for everyone.
What’s Changing
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is in charge of this project, and they’re investing $171 million in it. They’ve already finished 25% of the work, which is a big achievement. They’ve fixed up parts of the road and built the foundations for nine new bridges. These bridges will go over washes and connect with Orange Grove and Sunset roads.
In the next few months, things will really start to change. Crews will be putting down the new road surface and adding 121 bridge pieces. Some of these bridges will be part of the new Sunset Road interchange, which will be different from the old one. Sunset Road will be above I-10, not below it. They’re also extending Sunset Road to River Road and adding new bridges over the railroad tracks and Rillito River.
Keeping Things Smooth
ADOT knows that roadwork can be a pain, so they’re trying to keep traffic moving as best they can. They’ve kept three lanes open on the I-10 frontage roads during the day and only have lane restrictions at night. But by late 2024, the construction should be done, and the Orange Grove interchange will be back in action.
This whole project will keep going until late 2025 when the Sunset Road interchange reopens. The new interchanges at Orange Grove and Sunset roads will have more lanes to help with safety and traffic flow.
While those interchanges are closed, ADOT suggests using Ruthrauff and Ina roads as alternate routes. They’ll make sure you can still get to local businesses while the construction is happening.
What’s Getting Better
This project is doing a lot to improve the area:
- They’re rebuilding the Orange Grove Road bridges to make sure they’re high enough.
- All nine bridges in the project area are getting replaced, including the ones over Canada del Oro Wash and Rillito River.
- They’re also making a new path to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop from Sunset Road.
- They’re working on better lighting, landscaping, and drainage too.
In a nutshell, the I-10 project is part of the Regional Transportation Authority’s plan to improve the roads, and the Pima Association of Governments is making it happen.
Looking Ahead
In the end, the I-10 reconstruction project in Tucson is about making our roads better and keeping everyone safe. ADOT is doing their best to make sure the construction doesn’t cause too much trouble for drivers and businesses. As the project keeps moving forward, we can look forward to a more efficient and modern highway that will serve the community for years to come. It’s not just changing the landscape; it’s setting a new standard for road improvements.
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