Crews finished the new Interstate 10 bridges over the Gila River near Casa Grande, completing the first of four segments in a project meant to ease the commute between Phoenix and Tucson, azfamily.com reported.
The first phase cost about $71.2 million. It included removing old bridges across the Gila River and building new structures that are wider and higher.
Construction began in May 2024 on the I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project. The goal is widening a 26-mile stretch of the freeway to three lanes in each direction.
Once the full project is completed, I-10 will feature three lanes all the way between Phoenix and Tucson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The third lane on the newly finished Gila River bridges will open once the remaining segments finish.
More Segments Ahead
Construction began in January 2026 on 10 miles of I-10 north of Casa Grande for Segment 2. That work is expected to last about two years and cost an estimated $267.9 million.
Segment 2 includes adding a third lane in each direction within the existing median. Crews will also build a new interchange at Seed Farm Road and reconstruct the Pinal Avenue/SR 387 interchange.
Segment 3 recently started on about 11 miles of I-10 from the Phoenix/Chandler area south to the Gila River. This portion is expected to last until late 2029 and cost an estimated $469.5 million.
Segment 4 is expected to begin in 2027 or 2028 and last about 18 months with an estimated cost of $158.4 million. The entire four-segment widening effort is projected to cost just under $1 billion.
ADOT says the speed limit is reduced to 55 mph between Phoenix and Casa Grande while crews work.
