News Release Archive

Traffic to be detoured on Avenue D near Yuma to accommodate replacement of a bridge crossing

Detour route expected to remain in place through March 2018

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix, (702) 293-8391, dhendrix@usbr.gov
Chris Wallis, cwallis@usbr.gov

For Release: October 23, 2017

Detour map for Avenue D Bridge.Yuma, Ariz. – During the week of November 6, 2017, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Yuma Area Office will begin detouring traffic away from a bridge crossing that spans the Main Outlet Drain Extension (MODE) at Avenue D and the West Levee Road to an alternate route along Strand Avenue to accommodate replacement of an aging bridge crossing. The bridge, which is located approximately four miles northwest of the City of Yuma, Arizona, spans the width of the MODE canal and carries Avenue D traffic north and south across the MODE canal.

To orient the public with the upcoming construction work, Reclamation has provided a map that highlights the detour route through Strand Avenue. Replacement of the bridge is anticipated to take approximately 120 days; beginning the week of October 23 with initial equipment mobilization. Removal of the existing bridge will begin in early November 2017; following installation of the canal bypass system. In total, the detour route is expected to remain in effect through March 2018.

As part of the work to replace the existing bridge crossing, Reclamation will install a temporary canal bypass system for rerouting MODE canal flows around the construction areas. The existing bridge structure, which was constructed in 1966, will be replaced with a dual box concrete culvert design that uses pre-cast concrete box culverts and cast-in-place infrastructure and replacement canal lining.

The MODE Canal is a 12 mile-long concrete-lined channel that runs from the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers to Morelos Dam. This channel, carrying return flows from the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District, enables all or a part of the flow to be either diverted into the Colorado River at the Northern Boundary above Morelos Dam or to be passed around the dam.

Questions or comments about the bridge project should be directed to Reclamation’s Facilities Engineering Group Manager Michael Igoe at migoe@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Detour map for Avenue D Bridge.