Araby roundabout construction to begin July 17

The first phase of construction of the roundabouts planned for Interstate 8’s interchange at Araby Road is set to begin July 17, after an $8 million construction contract was awarded to Mesa-based J. Banicki Construction Inc. on Friday.

The Arizona State Transportation Board awarded the contract with an “expedited” start date to ensure that work on the first of the two roundabouts north of the freeway will be complete before the beginning of the agricultural season in November, according to a press release from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The second phase, on the south side of the interstate, is scheduled for summer through fall of 2018.

Traffic disruptions and delays can be expected through both phases of

the project, with lane restrictions on I-8 and ramp closures at Araby and Gila Ridge roads. One lane in each direction will remain open on Araby, but drivers should be prepared for slower speeds and delays can be expected. Suggested alternate routes include Avenue 8 1/2 E and Avenue 3E.

Araby is a major artery for produce trucks during

the winter and spring and is part of state Route 195, which runs east from San Luis to meet I-8. It is also the exit used by most drivers going to and from Arizona Western College’s Yuma campus. ADOT says about 22,000 vehicles use the intersection daily.

The state agency says the number of semi-trucks and tractor trailers using the exit was taken into

account while the roundabouts were being designed by consulting several farming and trucking companies, according to the press release, and even the largest are expected to be able to maneuver them.

The two-lane roundabout on the north side of I-8 will serve traffic on Araby and the westbound ramps, while the one to the south will serve

Araby, Gila Ridge and the eastbound ramps. Studies have shown roundabouts are safer than traffic signals for controlling traffic, ADOT says, citing Insurance Institute of Highway Safety statistics.

The project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Safety Improvement Program. According to an online report about the bidding process,

J. Banicki was the lowest of four bidders on the project, and its bid was $2 million over the state estimate of $6 million, but just under the budgeted amount of $8.05 million.

For project updates and tips on how to use roundabouts, visit www.azdot.gov/arabyroadti. For additional information, call (855)712-8530 or email projects@azdot.gov.