KINGMAN – Two Kingman Interstate 40 Traffic Interchange (TI) projects are advancing, one being advertised for bid later this month with construction of the other starting tomorrow (Thursday). The Tempe-based Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. is the contractor building the new free-flowing interchange that will better connect US 93 and Interstate 40 in west Kingman.
“The $106-million project is planned to eliminate delays that can occur for passenger and truck traffic on the main route between Las Vegas and Arizona,” an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) news release said. “While traffic now must stop at a traffic signal where Beale Street intersects with I-40, a system-to-system interchange will feature ramps that allow traffic to flow freely.”
It is expected to take 30 months to complete the project. Notices ADOT sent to 30,000 Kingman area households said construction expectations include:
- Daytime and nighttime construction activities
- Lane restrictions during off-peak travel hours; 2 lanes will be maintained in each direction on I-40 and US 93 during peak hours
- Limited full closures of US 93 during controlled rock-blasting operations
- Rock-crushing operations within the project area
- Construction related noise
Clack Canyon Road will be open to local residential traffic but closed to the general motoring public during a year-long closure allowing crews to build the new I-40 westbound and southeast bridges that will span the road. Anyone interested can visit azdot.gov/westkingmanti for more information and to subscribe for project updates.
“This project is among several underway or planned to improve US 93, which travels 200 miles between Wickenburg and the Nevada line,” ADOT said. “ADOT’s long-term vision calls for a four-lane divided highway through the entire 200 miles.”
Kingman City Manager Tim Walsh said recent communication with ADOT provides expectation that the Rancho Santa Fe Traffic Interchange project will be put out to bid on or about July 22.
The City of Kingman has already paid ADOT $48.3 million to administer the project. A $20-million state allocation is being used with the City funding the rest.
Las Vegas-based KDP Manager had been Kingman’s private sector project partner, but was unable to pay its $14.3-million cost share. The City Council voted July 2 to terminate the Development Agreement that was inked with KDP Manager in Nov., 2020.
“This has no effect on the Rancho Santa Fe Interchange. We as a city have taken that on,” Kingman Mayor Ken Watkins said. “We are moving forward with that interchange and we are actually constantly in contact with ADOT to push this project along.”
Finance Director Tina Moline said the City had previously allocated $13.1-million from the I-11 E. Kingman Connection Project Fund for its cost share. She said another $15.5-million from the Capital Projects Fund will be used to fund the balance of the project.
Moline said the City will have to issue debt before June, 2025 to reimburse $3.4-million to the Capital Projects Fund. She said Council approval for this will likely be requested in Jan. or Feb. next year.
Dave Hawkins
