Crews install 22-ton bridge girders along I-17 north of Anthem
INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Posted 4/8/23
Girders were installed recently for the New River Road traffic interchange, a key part of the Interstate 17 improvement project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, state transportation officials …
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‘Major milestone’
Crews install 22-ton bridge girders along I-17 north of Anthem
Posted
INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Girders were installed recently for the New River Road traffic interchange, a key part of the Interstate 17 improvement project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, state transportation officials said.
“Before the road is widened and the flex lanes are added, there is significant bridge work that must take place” Arizona Department of Transportation officials said in a release.
The New River Road traffic interchange at milepost 232 has been under construction, and the bridges on both the northbound and southbound sides need to be widened from two lanes in each direction to three lanes.
Girders were installed during overnight hours in order to support the bridge decks that vehicles will travel over once the project is complete.
Crews set nine girders on each bridge during a two-night operation. There are three sizes of girders, or beams, with the largest weighing about 22.5 tons and the smallest 15 tons, according to ADOT.
“Setting the girders is a critical operation for the construction crews and one that requires several hours of careful work,” officials said in the release.
“Getting the girders hoisted up and then set into place requires significant coordination, safety precautions and quality control. Girder placement signifies the start of completing the bridges at the New River Road traffic interchange, which is a major milestone.”
The New River Road traffic interchange bridges are the first two of 10 bridges that will be widened as part of the I-17 project.
The two bridges are expected to be completed by late summer.
Once complete in 2025, the I-17 project “will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow north of the metro Phoenix region,” ADOT officials said.
The 23 miles of improvements include 15 miles of roadway widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City. One travel lane will be added in each direction along this stretch.
In addition, an eight-mile flex lane system will be constructed from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point.
“Flex lanes are a new feature for Arizona’s highway system and are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations,” officials said.
