Tucson commuters can look to breathe a little easier as the new westbound Interstate 10 lanes are set to open this morning between Orange Grove and Ina roads. As part of the larger initiative to improve traffic flow and safety in Pima County, this milestone marks the point where the project stands 60% complete, according to information from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
The development is a significant step in the ongoing work to expand I-10. The task to broaden the freeway from three to four lanes between Ina and Ruthrauff roads started in early 2023, leading to traffic to temporarily use the frontage roads. This week, motorists will to quickly adapt to the traffic shift onto the newly reconstructed highway as a prelude to subsequent openings planned for the end of this year.
Future roadwork milestones include shifting all eastbound I-10 traffic from the frontage road detour onto new lanes and completing the westbound I-10 construction between Ruthrauff and Orange Grove roads. Further features of the project are set for completion by late 2024, like the interchange at Orange Grove Road, as per ADOT's announcement.
With an investment of $171 million, the project timeline extends through 2025, including work on the Sunset Road extension and new bridges over the Union Pacific railroad tracks and the Rillito River. Moreover, plans are to decisively open the Sunset Road interchange as the project concludes in late 2025. Alongside, the reconstruction of the Orange Grove Road bridges aims to allow higher clearance and the addition of lanes on entrance and exit ramps of the new Orange Grove and Sunset road interchanges to promote safety and mitigate delays.
The scope of this extensive project also encompasses replacing all nine bridges within the project area and constructing an access path to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop from Sunset Road, paired with related improvements in lighting, landscaping, and drainage. This development is a part of the Regional Transportation Authority's roadmap for regional improvements, under the management of the Pima Association of Governments.
Local businesses can expect maintained access throughout the project duration. Those interested in more details or updates are encouraged to visit the ADOT website for further information on the I-10 expansion project.
