The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started work on a project that will make major improvements to bridges on I-40 in Amarillo. The $36.2 million project will completely rebuild the bridges located at Ross Osage Drive and Arthur Avenue.

“We know this project is going to affect a lot of motorists,” said Randy Hochstein, P.E., TxDOT Amarillo Area engineer. “The scope of the work — complete reconstruction of bridges on a busy interstate highway — is a huge task, but our goal is to make sure we get the work done in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

Construction work on the project began Oct. 31, with contractor Haydon Building Corp., of Phoenix, Ariz., setting traffic barriers along the limits, Hochstein said.

Beginning Nov. 1, the inside left lanes along I-40 will be closed throughout the month of November to allow crews to safely make shoulder repairs along the project limits.

While traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction for brief periods and/or overnight, plans for the most part call for keeping two lanes of traffic in each direction open throughout construction. Motorists should anticipate slow-moving traffic and delays once construction begins.

“Construction is set up to be done in phases, but work to rebuild the bridges at both locations will be simultaneously,” Hochstein said. “Improvements to entrance and exit ramps, including the eastbound ramp connecting to U.S. 87, are also part of the project.”

The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2018.

For more information, visit TxDOT.gov.