Arizona DOT Completes I-40 Upgrade Near Petrified Forest

Interstate 40’s long, lonely stretch east of Holbrook just got a significant upgrade. The Arizona Department of Transportation recently completed a $30 million project resurfacing 12 miles of pavement and replacing the eastbound Dead River Bridge deck near Petrified Forest National Park. The work delivers a smoother and safer ride for motorists and extends the life of a highway built more than half a century ago. With the job finished, ADOT says it has invested over $160 million in I‑40 improvements in 2025, underscoring the corridor’s importance to northern Arizona, tourism and commerce.

The pavement rehabilitation component involved milling out aging asphalt, laying a fresh surface and adding rumble strips and reflective markers to improve nighttime visibility. Crews also installed new guardrail and drainage infrastructure to better handle heavy rains and snow melt, addressing the area’s harsh weather. One of the project’s biggest tasks was replacing the Dead River Bridge deck on the eastbound lanes. The new deck is built to modern design standards and should extend the bridge’s life for decades while providing a smoother transition across the span. Additional striping and signage will be added in the coming weeks, and the old bridge deck will be recycled as base material for other projects.

ADOT officials noted that this I‑40 job is one of several improvements under way across the state as part of a broader preservation effort. Interstate 40 carries commuters, cross‑country truckers and visitors headed to iconic destinations such as the Painted Desert and Grand Canyon, so keeping it in good condition is critical to safety and the economy. The agency said it schedules most heavy work Monday through Thursday to limit disruptions, leaving weekends mostly clear for traffic to flow. Coordination with nearby projects, such as bridge repairs and resurfacing in Coconino and Navajo counties, helps avoid overlapping lane closures.

Drivers passing through the Petrified Forest area should still expect occasional lane restrictions and reduced speed limits while contractors finish cleanup and final striping. ADOT encourages travelers to check az511.gov or download the AZ511 mobile app for real‑time road conditions, including lane closures, detours and weather advisories. The $30 million investment may cause minor inconvenience now, but it will pay dividends in the long term by preventing emergency repairs and ensuring this vital interstate remains a dependable artery for Arizona and the nation.