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TRANSPORTATION

Broadway Curve project on schedule

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PHOENIX — With 1,169 miles of interstate highway in Arizona, plus stretches of federal and state highways that are built as freeways, it’s easy to see why it seems one freeway or another is being worked on at all times.

One part of the Valley that’s receiving a major makeover is the Broadway Curve. It’s the area where Interstate 10 and U.S. makes a 90-degree turn, along with the southern end of State Route 143, southeast of Sky Harbor Airport and north of the U.S. 60 Superstition Freeway.

East Broadway Road crosses I-10/U.S. 60 in that area as well, giving the curve its name.

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project impacts 11 miles of I-10, sometimes working on areas as far south as the southern part of Loop 202, known as the Santan and South Mountain freeways.

ADOT spokesperson Marcy McMacken said the major reconstruction project of lanes, ramps and more will last through late 2024 and requires dozens of highway closures, restrictions and detours. The first of four phases was recently completed and the second phase is about one-quarter completed.

“July 27 marked one year since active construction began,” McMacken said. “So the project is still on schedule.”

The project involves so much notice of restrictions and closures, ADOT developed a free project app, The Curve, provides real-time traffic information so everyone who lives, works and drives in the project area can stay updated.

The Curve is available for iPhone and Android users. There is also regular information on i10braodwaycurve.com and on ADOT’s Twitter account, @ArizonaDOT.

McMacken said the overnight closures have not been intended to have workers outdoors without the Arizona sun beating down.

The overnight work is done at that time because freeways must be closed when it isn’t safe to simply have lane restrictions.

“With bridge-building, you can’t have workers hoisting heavy items above traffic,” McMacken pointed out.

McMacken said one of the unique items, not included in every urban road project are a pair of bicycle-pedestrian bridges.

One connects separated parts of Alameda Drive in Tempe between Broadway Road and Southern Avenue. The other is along the Western Canal, near the U.S. 60 turnoff for the Superstition Freeway.

She said the project also involves major improvements to the and improving the Sun Circle Trail crossing of I-10 at Guadalupe Road.

Closures are planned most weekends, including the upcoming weekend of Aug. 12-14, when State Route 143 will be closed at the Red Mountain Freeway (northern Loop 202).

McMacken said some of the main features of the Apple and Android app include:

• A map displaying live traffic information in the project area and on nearby roads and highways.

• A hands-free look-ahead feature to announce upcoming closures, restrictions and incidents as drivers approach the project area.

• Favorite locations to save, such as home, office or any other selected addresses.

• An opt-in feature to receive push notifications about highway closures, detours, unplanned incidents and other significant activities in the project area.

• Pre-defined areas of interest in and around the project area so users can check on travel times.

• A link to the project website to learn more about the improvements being made, ask questions or provide comments about the project.