By-Pass Updated Information

Arizona Department of Transportation
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

ADOT Works to Minimize Traffic Restrictions

In recent weeks, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has met with local emergency responders, Town of Wickenburg, and Chamber of Commerce representatives to work out a construction sequencing plan that minimizes the impact that the bypass construction will have on motorists in Wickenburg. These efforts, along with coordination with several utility providers, have resulted in a plan that requires only minor lane closures during the duration of construction. The plan calls for adjusting the alignment of relocated utility lines in order to allow both travel lanes on Wickenburg Way to remain open nearly the entire time during construction of the new roundabout and Hassayampa River bridge. Trenching for the new utility lines is now occurring in the area where the new roundabout is being constructed, but will not be continued across Wickenburg Way until after traffic is moved to the new Hassayampa River bridge and roundabout, expected in late 2008.

At the end of April, one week of minor lane restrictions will be required so that a natural gas line can be relocated. The outside lane of westbound Wickenburg Way near the Wishing Well will be closed to keep motorists and construction crews safe while a trench is dug near the edge of the pavement. A construction alert will be sent out when the exact timing of this anticipated lane restriction is known.

Even without lane restrictions, drivers are encouraged to give themselves extra travel time and to be prepared to slow down approaching the work zone.

Construction Hotline: 1-866-688-5086
Project Website: www.azdot.gov/WickenburgBypass

While ADOT strives to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, during any complex construction project, there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Please visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at: www.az511.com or call 5-1-1 for the most current information about planned restrictions in the area.

Where are we in the Construction Process?

Construction is planned to occur in four phases, as shown below. Phase 1 is well underway as crews prepare for construction of the new bridges and the south roundabout. The work being done at this time largely involves relocating utility lines that are located under the existing Hassayampa River Bridge and along local streets near the Wickenburg Community Center. The utilities must be moved early in the construction process to ensure that water, natural gas, power, and communications in the Wickenburg area are not interrupted. Clearing to prepare the north roundabout, scheduled for Phase 3, has been advanced to get a head start on the construction schedule.

What is ADOT Doing to Control Dust During Construction?

ADOT is committed to protecting air quality in Arizona by controlling fugitive dust at construction sites. In Maricopa County, construction crews must conform to standards put forth in Rule 310, which requires a permit from the County, as well as a dust control plan.

Three water trucks are on-site to minimize dust during construction. Water is sprayed before crews begin work in the morning and is reapplied several times a day as needed. Water is applied on areas that are being disturbed as well as on the haul roads on which construction equipment is traveling.

What are the Dirt Piles Near the River Bank?

During excavation adjacent to the Community Center and on the Hassayampa riverbank near the existing bridge, construction crews discovered unexpected debris in the fill material that was originally used to build up the Community Center parking area. Although the debris appears harmless, ADOT is carefully sorting through the piles to ensure that all waste is disposed of properly and to minimize the disturbance of any potentially hazardous materials.

ADOT began construction in February 2008 on the Wickenburg Interim Bypass. The project will provide a new roadway that avoids the historic downtown by following the west bank of the Hassayampa River. When completed, the new roadway will divert regional traffic from the Wickenburg Way/Tegner Street intersection, relieving congestion and improving traffic flow on US 93 and US 60.

The project includes constructing new bridges across the Hassayampa River and Sols Wash, a new roadway on an embankment that will provide flood protection to adjacent properties, and two roundabouts. Landscaping and other aesthetic features will be installed at the new entrance to the historic district, creating a unique, inviting gateway to Wickenburg.

The Wickenburg Interim Bypass is part of the 2004 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County. We are working hard with our transit partners to implement the voters’ vision and are committed to quality, safety, open communication with our neighbors, and minimal inconvenience to the traveling public.