November 29, 2012
The Arizona Department of Transportation will set girders on Thursday, Dec. 6 for the new State Route 90 bridge spanning the San Pedro River east of Sierra Vista. Trucks will deliver nine girders for the eastbound side of the bridge between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and motorists can expect 15 minute delays during that time.
ADOT crews will direct traffic in both directions through the work area while the girders are being delivered by trucks and set by an overhead crane. The girders, which support the deck of the bridge, are approximately 115 feet long and five feet tall.
The $7 million project began in October 2012 with demolition of the old eastbound side of the bridge. Completion of the eastbound section of the new bridge is scheduled for March 2013, when construction activity will cease during migratory bird nesting season in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
During the current phase of construction, traffic in both directions has shared the westbound side of the old bridge with a temporary construction signal controlling the flow of traffic at most times.
While construction activity is stopped from April 1, 2013 through Sept, 30, 2013, one lane of traffic will be open in each direction and the traffic signal will not be in use.
When construction resumes after the nesting season in October 2013, the westbound half of the bridge will be demolished and replaced. The temporary signal will once again control traffic on the new eastbound side of the bridge during this phase. Completion of the project is scheduled for spring of 2014.
When the new bridge is complete, it will feature wider travel lanes, emergency shoulders and greater clearance above the San Pedro River.
ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. 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.
For more information about this project please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact C.T. Revere, Safford District Senior Community Relations Officer at 520.705.3574. Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at 1.800.949.8057. Visit us on facebook or our web site for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts.
