Drivers gearing up for travels along the I-40, take note: a major pavement and improvement project is slated to start next Monday, April 22, and it's going to be a stretch. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that the work will focus on an area east of Holbrook, leading up to the Chambers community in northeastern Arizona.

First on the agenda is the overhaul of the Dead River Bridge at milepost 316. ADOT crews are set to attack the bridge deck repairs and initiate the barrier wall replacement with gusto. Starting on April 22, the eastbound Dead River Bridge will be shuttered to traffic, forcing vehicles onto a shared lane on the westbound side. One lane for each direction means delays are inevitable. Motorists are advised by ADOT to allow for additional travel time due to the changes.

But there's more. The I-40 will see lane restrictions in both directions between Pinta and McCarrell roads, from mileposts 319 to 331. This adjustment comes in preparation for a pavement improvement project beginning in either May or June, which will include repaving and restriping a 12-mile stretch. "Drivers should allow extra travel time and be prepared to slow down," ADOT warned, emphasizing the need for heightened alertness and safe merging when entering and navigating these zones.

According to the ADOT's project webpage, the long road to improvements is expected to extend through the fall of 2025. As construction kicks off, traffic may build up, so commuters are encouraged to take this into consideration when planning their routes. In the meantime, information regarding the project's progress and other related updates are readily available on the aforementioned webpage.