By Arizona Department of Transportation
Following a comprehensive procurement process, the Arizona Department of Transportation has entered into negotiations with the apparent preferred developer to design, construct, operate and maintain improvements to Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, a major stretch of highway that sees more than one million travelers every year.
After an extensive review process, Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture has been selected as the preferred developer. Key members of the development team include Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.; Fann Contracting Inc.; Kiewit Engineering Group Inc.; DBI Services LLC; CONSOR Engineers LLC dba Apex Design; T.Y. Lin International; Lee Engineering; Terracon Consultants Inc.; Wheat Design Group, Inc.; Y2K Engineering; and Pinyon Environmental Inc.
This project will improve 23 miles of I-17, including 15 miles of roadway widening, two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement, 10 bridge widenings, and the installation of an eight-mile flex lane system – a new feature for Arizona’s highway system. Flex lanes are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations.
ADOT sought proposals from qualified developer teams interested in reconstructing the 23-mile section of this key commerce corridor. Three finalists were selected earlier this year to advance through the selection process. All three finalists were encouraged to use innovation and develop alternative concepts to deliver the best possible design, construction, operation and maintenance strategy for the project.
The final cost will be determined after extensive contract negotiations.
ADOT has begun contract negotiations, and, pending a final contract, anticipates design and construction will begin in 2022. Construction is expected to take approximately three years. Construction crews are aiming to minimize impacts to the traveling public while work is underway.
The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate, two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep, winding eight miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. The flex lanes will be next to, but physically separated from southbound I-17 using concrete barriers. Access to the flex-lane entrances will be controlled by gates.
In February, Governor Ducey announced $40M in funding for the I-17 project from higher-than-anticipated revenue amid Arizona’s strong economic recovery and federal COVID-relief funds. Additional project funding sources include $130M of state highway funds appropriated by the state legislature in 2019; a $90M Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant; $50M programmed by the Maricopa Association of Governments for the Maricopa County portion of this project; and $52.3M from federal aid with matching state highway funds.
For more information about this project, visit azdot.gov/i17-anthem-way-to-sunset-point. (Source)
