The project is expected to last three years, with much of the construction work taking place during the night, Monday through Friday. ARIZONA, USA – The drive to expand and improve Interstate 17 north of Phoenix has taken a huge step forward as the Arizona Department of Transportation signed contracts with a company to plan, build and operate the project. The I-17 Improvement Project, a $ 445.94 million project to expand and improve the flow of traffic from Anthem Way to Sunset Point, is now underway. Contracts between ADOT and the Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture, a development team, have been signed and work on the stem will begin shortly. An ADOT spokesman said the project won’t fully get underway until sometime in 2022, depending on how the project develops in preparation for construction. “This is 23 miles of improvement along the I-17 corridor; a very busy corridor that starts on Anthem Way all the way to Sunset Point, ”said Laura Douglas, an ADOT spokeswoman assigned to the I-17 improvement project. The project is expected to last three years, with much of the construction work taking place during the night, Monday through Friday. The aim is to keep traffic as smooth as possible during the peak load on the weekends. RELATED: ADOT Plans to Expand Interstate 10 Broadway Curve One new design that Arizonans may not be used to is the project’s new flex lanes. These are two lanes that can be used for traffic in a north or south direction as required. “The nice thing about the Flex Lanes is that we can move traffic as needed,” said Douglas. “So, maybe on a Friday or Saturday when people are moving north from the valley of Metro Phoenix, we can move that traffic north, and then accordingly when the traffic is strongest.” On a Sunday afternoon, we can get these lanes move to get people south. ”Existing lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will be used as new flex lanes. Physical barriers are used to open or close the lane as needed. The 15-mile stretch of I-17 from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City will be widened by one lane in each direction as part of the project. An estimated one million travelers commute on this section of I-17, ADOT said, mostly on weekends. In February, Governor Doug Ducey approved $ 90 million for the project from the state’s general fund, federal COVID aid and grants. According to ADOT, the additional funding for the project includes: $ 130 million in state highway funding provided by state lawmakers in 2019. County’s share of this project is $ 135.9 million in federal aid with corresponding funds for the federal highways . That includes $ 83.6 million approved by the Arizona State Transportation Board on October 15, paving the way for construction to begin in 2022. “On a busy weekend, the I-17 sees more than 50,000 vehicles a day,” Ducey said at a press conference announcing the 2019 project. “And with this new extension, the I-17 will be less overloaded and safer than ever before.” The project also includes two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement and 10 bridge widenings along the route. “We’re going to see a larger area of I-17, we’re going to see the flex lanes, and that means more capacity, fewer traffic jams and more safety improvements, and hopefully a better driving experience when getting in and out of the valley,” said Douglas. When construction begins, crews are expected to only work from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays. ADOT reminds drivers to be patient during construction and always drive extra carefully so that the crews can go home safely at the end of their shift. RELATED: ADOT: Please do not use a motorway lane for non-emergencies (including wedding photos) Up to Speed Check out the latest news and stories on YouTube channel 12 News. Subscribe today.
[ad_2]
