Projects

DESCRIPTION

Banicki and our sister company, Ralph L. Wadsworth (RLW), constructed the SR-24 Gateway Freeway project (SR-202L to Ellsworth Rd) as a joint venture. This transformative project created a critical new transportation corridor for the East Valley, featuring extensive bridge construction to accommodate future growth and streamline traffic flow.

Of the numerous bridges, the most complex were the 3,245 LF westbound-to-southbound flyover and the 2,693 LF northbound-to-westbound flyover, both CIP post-tensioned box girder bridges constructed on falsework. Other notable structures included bridges for SR-202L over Ray Road and Ellsworth Road.

Key Highlights of SR-24 Phase 1

1. Extensive Bridge Construction: One of the standout features of SR-24 was the construction of numerous bridges, designed to facilitate uninterrupted traffic across the freeway’s intersections and interchanges. This included major overpasses and ramp bridges at the SR-202 interchange, which allowed for seamless connections between the two freeways. These bridges were built to withstand high traffic volumes, ensuring long-term durability and safety.
2. Strategic Overpasses for Connectivity: Bridges were constructed at various points along the 2.5-mile stretch to ensure smooth cross-traffic and minimize disruptions. Each bridge was engineered with expansion in mind, allowing for future lane additions as the area continues to grow. These overpasses enabled direct connections to arterial roads, enhancing accessibility for residents and businesses in the East Valley.
3. Dedicated Structures for Local and Through Traffic: The design included dedicated bridge structures to separate local traffic from through-traffic, increasing safety and efficiency. By building these bridge structures, ADOT ensured that local drivers and commercial traffic would have access to safe, direct routes, reducing the load on nearby surface streets and alleviating congestion.
4. Enhanced Regional Mobility: The bridges within SR-24 Phase 1 were pivotal for improving regional mobility, not only by enhancing traffic flow but by offering a streamlined, elevated route that connected key points within the East Valley to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This directly supported the economic growth of the area, providing critical infrastructure for commercial and residential developments.
5. Future-Proofing the Corridor: The bridge structures were designed with future expansion in mind, underscoring ADOT’s forward-thinking approach to transportation planning. As demand on the freeway increases, these bridges can support additional lanes and capacity improvements without requiring a full reconstruction.

The extensive bridge work in SR-24 Phase 1 exemplified ADOT’s commitment to creating a robust and scalable freeway system that not only meets current needs but also anticipates the growth and expansion of Arizona’s urban landscape. This project laid the groundwork for future phases and further connectivity, establishing SR-24 as a vital part of Arizona’s transportation infrastructure.