Early completion of major drainage structures is enabling subsequent roadway and utility work on a $322 million highway expansion in Arizona. The infrastructure improvements are part of a four-mile extension of State Route 303 designed to support transportation needs in Phoenix's growing West Valley.
Pulice, a FlatironDragados company, has completed the first major structural milestone on the SR 303L MC 85 to Van Buren project for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The work includes sections of reinforced concrete box culvert (RCBC) and U-channel structures within the planned northbound and southbound frontage roads.
These drainage components are being installed ahead of subsequent earthwork, utility relocation and roadway construction activities.
Construction crews completed excavation, grading and foundation preparation before installing reinforcing steel and formwork for the concrete structures.
Ready-mix concrete was transported to the site by mixer trucks and placed using concrete pumps. The pumping process supported continuous placement within the reinforced sections.
Following concrete placement and curing, crews removed the formwork after the material achieved the required strength. Quality control personnel then inspected the completed structural sections.
Additional portions of the drainage system will be constructed as work on the frontage roads advances.
Crane operations also supported the milestone, with equipment used to position formwork, reinforcing steel and other construction materials throughout the work area.
The $322 million project will extend Arizona State Route 303 by approximately four miles, connecting the MC 85 area to Van Buren Road.
The existing SR 303 corridor spans approximately 35 miles and serves communities across Phoenix's West Valley. The extension forms part of transportation infrastructure development in the region.
Pulice is executing the project under contract with ADOT, with overall construction scheduled for completion in 2030.
The project demonstrates the importance of completing drainage infrastructure early in highway construction, particularly where major structures must be integrated with future frontage roads and freeway improvements.
For transportation contractors, the milestone highlights the sequencing of excavation, structural concrete placement, inspections and subsequent roadway activities within a large-scale highway programme.
Source: Pulice.
