Arizona I-10 Bridge Rehabilitation Project Narrows Interstate Near Benson Through Spring 2026

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has warned motorists travelling along Interstate 10 near Benson that traffic patterns will look very different over the next few months. In a news release posted November 19, 2025, ADOT explained that crews have started a $6.2 million bridge rehabilitation project near the Empirita Road interchange. The work will extend through spring 2026 and requires narrowing the interstate to a single lane in each direction over a 2‑mile stretch west of Benson.

According to the release, crews are rehabilitating four bridge structures: the eastbound and westbound traffic bridges over Railroad Wash and two nearby entrance and exit ramps. To allow workers to replace the concrete bridge decks, install new guardrail and make other structural improvements, eastbound traffic has been shifted onto a single lane in the westbound roadway. Later this winter the two directions will swap sides, with westbound travellers using the eastbound bridge. ADOT says the shifts will occur during overnight hours to minimise disruption, but traffic will remain reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the project.

Drivers need to plan ahead. Only vehicles under 14 feet wide will be allowed through the work zonld expect delays, especially during peak travel times and holiday weekends,” ADOT cautioned【781908475203591†screenshot】.  with a lower speed limit and lane restrictions, the department notes that the freeway remains open because the next nearest detour adds nearly an hour of travel time. ADOT encourages travellers to allow extra travel time, check for updates on the project website and be prepared for changes in lane configuration until the work wraps up next spring.

Interstate 10 between Tucson and Benson carries thousands of passenger vehicles and heavy trucks each day. By rehabilitating aging bridges now, ADOT says it will avoid longer closures or weight restrictions in the future. The department is coordinating the project schedule with nearby construction to reduce cumulative impacts on drivers. Once work is complete, the rehabilitated bridges should provide decades of additional service. Until then, the agency urges motorists to slow down, pay attention to signs and stay alert for workers in the construction zone.