ADOT completes I-17 pavement, bridge projects in Flagstaff area

PHOENIX — Traveling around Flagstaff streets will soon be safer thanks to the recent completion of two road improvement projects, officials said.

One of these newly completed projects has been a long time coming. That would be the construction of a new bridge carrying J.W. Powell Boulevard over Interstate 17.

This bridge is part of a busy I-17 interchange. Many travelers rely on it to drive to and from Pulliam Airport and the Fort Tuthill Park, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

This $8.2 million project to replace the old bridge with newer infrastructure started in April. The project will provide better access to pedestrians and bicyclists looking to cross the interstate, ADOT said.

The new bridge, which is larger than the older one, was built next to the smaller bridge structure.

Once that part of the new crossing was completed, transportation officials switched traffic from the old bridge to the new bridge, ADOT said.

They then removed the older bridge structure, which is when they declared the project completed.

What’s the other project improving highway near Flagstaff streets?

That’s not the only improvement hitting the I-17 around Flagstaff.

A much more massive project, which cost $35 million, has also wrapped up.

This other project upgraded a stretch of around 30 miles of southbound I-17 between McConnell Drive in Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim scenic overlook.

Transportation officials resurfaced nine bridges over this stretch of roadway, along with several on- and off-ramps.

The pavement improvements have been going on since May 2022 and wrapped up before Thanksgiving, ADOT said.