August 30, 2012
Motorists traveling on US 70 near Bylas will encounter lane closures all next week while the Arizona Department of Transportation repaves the highway pavement approaching the newly constructed bridge over the Gila River.
Starting Monday, Jan. 14 and continuing through Friday, Jan. 18, alternating lane closures will be in effect in both directions approaching the bridge, located one mile west of the community of Bylas on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Graham County.
The closures will start in each direction approximately a quarter-mile before the bridge and will be in effect around the clock until the work is complete.
ADOT crews will direct traffic through the restricted area between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Posted speed limits will be reduced to 35 mph through the work area around the clock until Friday at 5 p.m.
When the repaving work is complete, ADOT will connect US 70 to the new bridge. That is expected to happen either late Friday, Jan. 18 or shortly after the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.
The new US 70 Gila River Bridge at Bylas will replace the existing bridge, which was constructed in 1957.
The new $12.7 million bridge is a 15-span precast concrete structure that features wider travel lanes, emergency shoulders, a pedestrian walkway and wider highway approaches. The bridge replacement project, which began in February 2012, also included intersection improvements on US 70 at nearby Calva Road.
The new bridge was built parallel to the existing bridge, which remained in use during construction. The old bridge will be demolished at a future date after the new one is opened.
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.
