Work at I-8, Araby Road to affect AWC commencement

Roundabout project could hinder travel to stadium

“Arrive early and leave late” might be wise counsel for college graduates, but it’s also apt advice for Friday’s commencement ceremonies at Arizona Western College.

Construction of a roundabout on the southern side of Interstate 8 might make getting to and from Veterans Memorial Stadium in a timely manner, well, enough to make drivers “go round the bend.”

The college is advising graduates and families attending to “allow for extra travel time” as the eastbound I-8 ramp at Araby is closed. Access to Araby from Gila Ridge Road is also closed, and Araby is down to one lane in both directions between 30th to 26th streets.

This year’s commencement is expected to yield larger crowds, as ceremonies will include graduates from NAU-Yuma, UA-Yuma, ASU@Yuma and AWC — a milestone for the Yuma area community college.

Those driving to the ceremony from west of Avenue 3E are encouraged to use Highway 95 to Araby Road to avoid construction and homebound traffic. Attendees coming from east of Avenue 3E are encouraged to take Avenue 9E to get to 24th Street.

Road construction on the intersections began last summer, with completion of a roundabout on the north side of the highway toward the end of October. The southern roundabout is the second phase of the $8.1 million project that is being funded by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Graduates must report to the Gila Ridge High School Hawk Gym promptly at 7 p.m. The processional will begin at 7:40 p.m. under leadership of the Grand Marshal.

For more information about the project, visit www.azdot.gov/ArabyRoadTI.