Work began last week on an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) project that will see the nearly 700-foot Pinto Creek Bridge replaced, marking a significant update on US 60.
Despite having only an original, estimated lifespan of 50 years, the Pinto Creek Bridge is 70 years old. While ADOT noted that it is still safe for traffic to this day, it no longer meets current standards for bridge design. The $22.7 million, two-year project now underway is the result.
Work will begin with traffic restrictions, which include lane restrictions and delays. During this time, crews will move equipment in and begin construction of an access road into Pinto Creek Canyon. Following this, additional restrictions and closures should begin around Oct. 21, though there will be full closures from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Such closures should continue for anywhere between six to eight weeks, to be supplemented with additional overnight closures for girder placement and concrete pouring.
During full closure periods, crews will focus on blasting, to shift the highway approximately 30 feet to the north and align it with the new bridge. During this time, drivers will be detoured down state routes 77 and 177. Near the end of the project, workers will close US 60 at large for five days, to finish these realignment actions.
The new bridge will be 695.5 feet in length, supported by three piers. It will be built adjacent to the current bridge, which will continue to be used during construction. Once the new bridge is complete, crews will dismantle the existing bridge.