Vail, Rita, and Corona Construction Updates by Tom Howard
Road Construction Update
Houghton Rd/Over Union Pacific Railroad
A lot of activity has shown up on this project. Crews have begun the process of building the new bridge approaches for the first half of the new bridge. Steel and rebar foundations have shown up on the site, and the crew should commence drilling for the new bridge piers in the next few weeks. The dirt haul route will continue until all the fill is in place for both sides of the bridge. Traffic had been shifted to the West on Houghton Road to allow for new utility improvements. The speed limit has been reduced to 35 MPH thru the project and may be reduced further down to 10 MPH during flagging operations. Please stay aware and follow all traffic control devices as this project advances.
Arizona Department of Transportation Updates
Houghton Rd/Traffic Signals
This project was awarded at the State Transportation Board meeting on the 21st of April, 2017, to Kimbrell Electric. The contractor should have the notice to proceed very soon. I anticipate seeing activity on the Houghton on and off ramps very soon. Stay alert in this area. The vital improvements we have been waiting for are finally coming together.
Craycroft & I-10
Work continues on this project. The contractor, Granit Construction, is currently working on the steel structure and improvements to the bridge for Eastbound traffic. The speed is reduced to 55 MPH throughout the project. Please stay alert and aware of trucks exiting the highway to enter the project. Once the Eastbound bridge is complete, the traffic will be switched on to the new bridge and the contractor will begin work on the Westbound side.
No new AZ Department of Transportation projects have been released for bid as of this writing.
Colossal Cave Road
This project is looking good and is entering its final stages. The large “V” has been installed by the Quick Mart and has been the talk of the community. The students at Cienega High School out did themselves on this art project. Landscaping continues to be on the daily schedule. Traffic shifts may be necessary to accommodate this. Please stay alert and follow the speed limits as posted. This project is nearing the end. We will soon have an awesome road to travel.
Mary Ann Cleveland Safety Improvements
The new pathways have been installed on Mary Ann Cleveland and have been very much appreciated. I have seen numerous people already using the paths. Crews are installing the final signs along the project and should be preparing the roadway for final striping soon. Remember, the pathway is paved, but still under construction. Use caution if you are using this path. Safety fence and final grading are being completed daily.
State Route 82 & 83 Guardrail Repair
The Arizona Department of Transportation has crews working on State Route 82 & 83 replacing guardrail that was damaged during the fire. Please slow down and obey all traffic control devices while crews make our highway safe again. This will be ongoing until all the guardrail is replaced.
