by Tom Howard
Houghton Road over the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge
Traffic has been shifted and work continues on the demolition of the old structure. Crews have been hauling dirt from Atterbury Wash Road to help in building up the grade for the new section of bridge that will become the southbound lanes of Houghton when completed.
Speed limits are reduced in the area, and law enforcement has been issuing citations for those not complying with the posted speed limits. Slow down and be aware of all crews working. Their safety depends on you paying attention and obeying all the traffic control signage.
Other Houghton Road Work
Union Pacific Railroad to I-10 has an anticipated construction date of late 2018 to early 2019.
Replacement of the bridge over I-10 at Houghton is in the design phase and is slated for 2020.
Traffic Signals at Kolk, Rita, and Wilmot Roads
The highly anticipated signals for Rita Road has been advertised for bid. The bid opening date is set for 4/13/18.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has bundled the signal construction into three projects. Rita, Kolb, and Wilmot will all get signals at the intersections with the I-10 freeway. Stay tuned for updates. Bid dates are subject to change.
Wilmot and I-10
Crews continue their work preparing the center of the freeway for the temporary bridge that will be put in place. Concrete is being poured and I would anticipate traffic switches coming up within the next 6 weeks. Slow down and stay alert.
Valencia/Wilmot to Kolb
This project has been advertised for bid opening date of 4/3/18 and is slated to get started this summer. Stay tuned.
Safeway Shopping Center
I anticipate barricades being removed prior to the April 4th grand opening. Crews have added a second lane to Colossal Cave and Mary Ann Cleveland Roads. This will enable better access for shoppers to the new center. Stay tuned. Safeway shopping is almost here.
Do you have road work questions? I will do my best to answer each and every one. Please submit them to highways@thevailvoice.com
Tom Howard
