New Interstate 17 'flyover' bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

Prescott AZ (December 22, 2012) ? Just in time for the Christmas and New Year?s holidays, the Arizona Department of Transportation has completed the new Cordes Junction ?flyover? bridge, which opened to traffic Thursday night. The overpass will lift northbound traffic headed to the Prescott area over Interstate 17 and connect directly to northbound State Route 69.

About an hour?s drive north of downtown Phoenix, ADOT is remaking the I-17/SR 69 traffic interchange (milepost 262). When completed, the updated, modern interchange will make it easier for drivers to connect to other northern communities including Prescott, while improving traffic flow and safety.

A major component of the $50 million project was the completion of the new flyover bridge. Due to the outdated design of the previous interchange, slower local traffic destined for the businesses and residences in the Cordes Lakes area, were forced to mix with the high speed traffic at this busy interchange, which serves more than 40,000 vehicles per day.

?Completing the new flyover bridge is a major milestone on this Cordes Junction traffic interchange reconstruction project,? said Prescott District Engineer Alvin Stump. ?The interchange was built almost 50 years ago when traffic volumes were much lower and it mixes local and through traffic, resulting in congestion and delays. This updated interchange will not only be able to handle the future growth in this area, but also make it safer for all drivers.?

After beginning construction in August 2011, ADOT is entering the final stages after having completed more than 80 percent of the project. ADOT is on target to complete the project as scheduled by June 2013. The remaining major work yet to be completed includes opening the new southbound Big Bug Creek Bridge and east roundabout near the McDonald?s restaurant, and repaving I-17 and SR 69.

Improvements to the interchange will increase accessibility to local businesses, provide more efficient traffic movements for those traveling through the area, and prepare for future traffic demands. The project includes seven new bridges, three local roads (Copper Star Road, Arcosanti Road, Stagecoach Trail), installation of two roundabouts, as well as improvements to local stormwater drainage.

Since the start of the project, ADOT has worked closely with the community during construction to ensure that impacts to residents and businesses are minimized. Local businesses have remained open during the construction, including the local McDonald?s restaurant on Cordes Lakes Road, which is adjacent to the I-17/SR 69 interchange.

?ADOT has worked with the local businesses and the community to make sure drivers have access at all times despite the construction,? said Eric Coleman, McDonald?s district supervisor for northern Arizona. ?While no one ever wants to have to deal with construction impacts, this project will improve safety and provide better access to some of the local businesses and residences in the area for many years to come.?

For more information on the project, including photos and video, please visit the ADOT Blog.

Source: http://www.sedona.biz/arizona/arizona-department-of-transportation/new-interstate-17-flyover-bridge-opens-to-traffic-to-improve-traffic-flow/

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