The interchange at I-10 and Ruthrauff Road in northwest Tucson, Ariz., began major changes this week, as part of a two year, $129 million being undertaken by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
“This is an important project for the Tucson area,” Rod Lane, ADOT’s district engineer for ADOT’s Southcentral District, said. “The new interchange will allow traffic to move more quickly through the area, and we’re improving safety because drivers will no longer have to cross the railroad tracks.”
Once completed, the new interchange should cut delays and improve safety in the area, especially as the project begins widening the freeway. The construction will bring only overnight lane restrictions, and I-10 will remain open in one capacity or another throughout the whole length of the project. That said, come late winter or early spring, both Ruthrauff Road and El Camino del Cerro will close at I-10 and reopen nearer to project completion in 2021. The interchange ramps will close about the same time and remain closed until work is done.
Capacity for I-10 will be added through the widening of the interstate to four lanes in each direction. Both the eastbound and westbound overpasses will be demolished and part of I-10 rebuilt. Beyond this, Ruthrauff Road and El Camino del Cerro will likewise be widening to two lanes in each direction. At the same time, the I-10 frontage roads are reconstructed to connect to the elevated interchanges.
Once the interchange closes, alternate routes to I-10 will need to be sought out. Businesses will maintain access along all frontage roads. The Ruthrauff Road overpass should reopen to cross-traffic sooner than the interchange ramps.