Safety
Due to the level and proximity of traffic on I-10 and the frontage roads in the project area, drivers were asked to stay in their vehicle if it broke down, had a flat tire or were otherwise unable to be driven out of traffic to an area that was safe for exiting the car or making repairs. Motorists were asked to call 911 for emergency-related assistance. The project area was monitored by cameras, and tow trucks were dispatched immediately to move vehicles to a safe area away from traffic. Download information about work zone safety in Arizona, including tips for driving in construction zones.
The following 30-second radio spots were helpful safe driving tips on I-10 during the widening project:
Accidents in the Construction Zone
Stalled Vehicles
Patience in the Construction Zone
Emergency Services
Emergency vehicles had access to the frontage roads and the freeway during construction. Seven-foot shoulders helped facilitate emergency vehicle movement on the frontage roads. In addition, since the freeway was constructed one half at a time, the ramps on the half that was not under construction were available for emergency access through movable barricades. Emergency pullouts were added to each of the newly constructed closed entrance and exit ramps on eastbound I-10 from Prince Road to Speedway Boulevard and at each bridge on westbound I-10 from St. Mary's Road to Miracle Mile. Westbound emergency access was added behind barriers from St. Mary's Road to Speedway Boulevard and from Grant Road to Prince Road.
Traffic Operations Center (TOC)
The TOC is staffed 24/7 to keep the public and emergency services informed of traffic conditions. Seventy-two cameras are stationed to view freeway and frontage road traffic conditions. In addition, the center provides regular traffic updates to local media outlets, which disseminates the information to the public.
Sign Plan
Clear signing of routes to hospital facilities was provided to facilitate quick access. The signage plan was a combined effort of emergency services, businesses, the City of Tucson, community members and ADOT.
Major cross streets remained open during construction; however, there were temporary closures of a limited duration.
Traffic Systems Management (TSM) Meetings
TSM meetings were informational meetings designed to provide interested parties with up-to-date information about construction on I-10 and how it influenced traffic throughout the project area. Interested parties included emergency service and transportation providers, law enforcement and neighborhood associations. The purpose of these meetings was to help ensure the safety of the public and workers during construction. TSM meetings allowed for an exchange of information between emergency service and transportation professionals, ADOT and the contractors. In addition, these meetings allowed those in attendance to discuss traffic issues throughout the project area.
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