Work Begins on Arizona’s Largest Highway Overhaul

Construction has officially begun on a $600 million overhaul of a three-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in Tucson, marking the largest highway project in the state’s history. 

The “Interstate 10: Kino to Country Club Project” is set to modernise traffic flow, improve safety and rebuild ageing interchanges along one of southern Arizona’s busiest corridors.

Dallas-based engineering firm Jacobs is leading the design in a design-build partnership with Tempe-based general contractor Sundt Construction. 

The project will add three general-purpose lanes in each direction between milepost 262 and Alvernon Way, rebuild the Kino Parkway interchange, construct a new interchange at Country Club Road, and remove the existing Palo Verde Road interchange. 

Additional work includes a new westbound entrance ramp from Alvernon Way and an I-10 undercrossing linking the North and South Kino Sports Complex.

“The Kino to Country Club Road program is a pioneering effort and will bring best practices in alternative program delivery to Arizona,” said Galina Leiphart, Jacobs’ transportation market growth director. 

“Working with the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) and Sundt as our design-build partner, we’ll deliver a safer, more efficient transportation system.”

Originally built in the 1960s two lanes each way, the corridor was expanded into a three lane highway in some sections in 1990, but much of it remains in its original state.

The overhaul stems from the 2020 Interstate 10 and State Route 210 Transportation Design Concept Report, which was published after a decade-long feasibility study and environmental review. 

The report studied five miles of I-10 and recommended upgrades to ease traffic and improve safety. Arizona DOT included it in its 2024–2028 plan with full funding and protection from federal shutdowns.

The department then hired Jacobs for design and Sundt for construction. 

Working under a design-build approach, the team will handle planning, design, and construction together in one contract to get the project done efficiently.

The team is expected to complete work by summer 2018.

“The project will greatly improve traffic for both commuters and freight,” said an ADOT spokesperson. “It’s a major investment in the region’s roads and sets a new benchmark for future projects.”

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