Bridges open on I-10 in time for holiday travelers

Good news for 1-10 travelers west of Phoenix - bridges reopen in time for holiday weekend

Most highways remain open to White Mountain destinations
PHOENIX - Whether traveling to California or escaping to Arizona's own high country, local drivers have plenty of options heading into the Fourth of July weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.If your holiday travel plans include using Interstate 10 between Phoenix and California, ADOT has some good news about one of its construction projects west of the Valley.
I-10 will be back open to two lanes in each direction at the Hassayampa River bridges, 40 miles west of downtown Phoenix, on Wednesday, June 29, following a #3.9 million improvement project that required highway land restriction.Crews have added new bridge decks at the I-10 crossing near 339th Avenue. ADOT is meeting a goal of opening the second upgraded bridge before the holiday weekend.
Major highways to the White Mountains, one of the state's most popular summer getaway destinations, are open, even after the impact of the Wallow Fire in northeast Arizona. Most businesses and hotels in Springerville, Eager, Greer, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside remain open, including access to the Sunrise Park Resort."Despite having to endure the largest wildfire in state history, the White Mountains are open to visitors and the area is still the perfect getaway for the Fourth of July weekend," said Eager resident and State Transportation Board member Hank Rogers. "When you're seeking a place to escape the heat, the White Mountains will continue to be a popular destination. We've got a parade, pit barbecue, and rodeo all planned for Independence Day weekend."Since June 12, ADOT has reopened more than 160 miles of state highways that were closed due to wildfires. Some roadways in the area remain closed including portions of US 191,
Holiday travelers also are due to benefit from other recent ADOT state highway safety improvements.All new lanes along I-10 between Loop 101 and Verrado Way west of Phoenix are open following a series of projects to enhance traffic flow by reconstructing and widening the freeway over the last three years. Crews have been working in the past week to finish lane striping along sections of I-10 that are now as wide as five lanes in each direction.State Route 87 was reopened last month to four lanes north of the Saguaro Lake turnoff following an $11.8 million project to improve shoulders, control erosion and add a mile-long southbound passing lane. SR 87 serves as the major link between the Phoenix area and Payson.Drivers are reminded that their own behavior plays a key role in preventing unscheduled
closures due to crashes or other incidents. In addition to buckling up and never drinking and driving, motorists are urged to obey speed limits and to remain patient while on the road.
Getting a good night's rest before traveling and checking your vehicle, including its tire pressure, are other summer driving safety tips.
For more information about ADOT’s improvement projects along the state highway system visit the ADOT Blog at http://adotblog.blogspot.com. State Route 261 and SR 273. Before heading out, drivers are encouraged to check on highway conditions at ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1 from within the state.