Bridge replacement work started Feb. 4 on U.S. 191 in Sanders

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) began a project Feb. 4 to build three new bridges on U.S. 191 in Sanders. One of the bridges will be built over Interstate 40, one over the BNSF railroad and one over the Puerco River in Apache County.

The $14.6 million project is scheduled to be complete by summer 2014. It will include:

• construction of three new bridges to replace the current structures, which were built in the late 1940s and do not meet contemporary bridge standards;

• realignment and repaving of U.S. 191 through Sanders; and

• new sidewalks, highway lighting, guardrail and business accesses on U.S. 191.

Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There will be narrowed traffic lanes and ADOT will reduce the speed limit to 25 mph through the work zones.

Crews will begin construction of the bridges on the west side of the existing highway. Once those sections are completed, ADOT will move car and pedestrian traffic to the newly completed sections and then work will start on the older sections.

Flaggers will guide vehicles and pedestrians through the work zones when necessary and drivers may experience brief delays at times. Delays will not exceed 15 minutes.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zones with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. More information about this project is available from Holbrook District Senior Community Relations Officer Rod Wigman at (928) 532-2334 or rwigman@azdot.gov or on the project hotline: (855)712-8530.