March 15, 2012
The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin the second phase of the project next week to reconstruct the Munds Park traffic interchange on Interstate 17, approximately 20 miles south of Flagstaff.
This phase of the $10 million project includes reconstructing the southbound I-17 bridge and ramps, as well as the realignment of Pinewood Boulevard. Southbound traffic will be shifted to a single lane on the northbound bridge while the southbound bridge is under construction.
Starting Thursday, March 22, northbound I-17 lane restrictions will be required while crews restripe the roadway and a traffic detour to shift southbound traffic. After the detour is striped, the southbound bridge will be closed and motorists traveling southbound on I-17 will be detoured to cross over the median and use the northbound lane (please see map for details). All on and off ramps will remain open.
The first phase of the project, which included the reconstruction of the northbound I-17 bridge and ramps, was completed last year; the southbound bridge is scheduled to be completed this fall. Upon completion, ADOT will have replaced two 25-foot-long bridges built in 1958 with two new bridges measuring 100-feet long.
The speed limit will be reduced throughout the construction zone and drivers are reminded to slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution, and be alert for construction equipment and crews.
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.
For more information about this project please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Mackenzie Kirby, Flagstaff District Senior Community Relations Officer, at 928.779.7554. 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.
