The Western Region of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recently awarded the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Fourth Street Bridge replacement project in Flagstaff with a regional award.
“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to improve safety and connectivity in the Flagstaff region,” Audra Merrick, ADOT’s Northcentral District district engineer, said. “This project fits into our mission to connect Arizonans everywhere, every day.”
The project won in the Quality of Life/Community Development category of the America’s Transportation Awards competition sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The competition showcases projects delivered by state departments of transportation.
The Fourth Street Bridge project was recognized for improved traffic flow and safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
ADOT replaced the bridge using the bridge-slide method where crews built the new bridge next to the old one. Crews used hydraulic jacks to “slide” the new bridge into place after the old one was demolished.
The new bridge is wider than the one it replaced, allowing for additional capacity for vehicles while creating space for bicycles and pedestrians separated by a concrete barrier.
The project also connected the Flagstaff Urban Trail System across Interstate 40.