TEMPE, Ariz. — The U.S. 60 freeway is scheduled to get some fresh concrete in the coming days after a pipe rupture caused 8 million gallons of water to spill on the road near Tempe, city officials said Wednesday.
The update came following a week and a half of work to repair the severe pipe break below the roadway.
That break occurred Saturday, May 7, and shut down all lanes of the highway. Eastbound lanes were finally reopened on Sunday, May 15.
Westbound lanes remain closed as of Wednesday.
"Right now we're working on the westbound lanes," said Chris Kabala, principal civil engineer of the City of Tempe. "We have tentative concrete placement scheduled for tonight, tomorrow, and possibly the day after."
When asked when he expected that work to be complete, Kabala said: "very soon."
Mayor Corey Woods assured the city that they were working around the clock to get the roads back open, and would have more updates soon.
For detours, officials recommend using the Loop 202 Red Mountain or Loop 202 San Tan during the closure.
ADOT announced the postponement of the freeway work eastbound Interstate 10 between US 60 and Loop 202 due to the unanticipated closure of the US 60 in Tempe.
Officials are asking commuters to avoid residential streets to avoid construction.
Latest Arizona News
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.