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Ramps At Bell Road And Grand Avenue Closing For A Week

The recently opened ramps in the interchange at Bell Road and Grand Avenue are closing for a week starting early Monday.

The $42 million Arizona Department of Transportation project to raise Bell Road over Grande Avenue took months to complete before opening in February this year.

Now, the on- and off-ramps to the bridge over Grand Avenue are closing from 1 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18 through 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24.

Crews are making improvements, like taking out a median on Grand, as well as adding curbs and posts to help confused drivers turning into the nearby shopping center.

ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said the changes come after feedback from residents and Surprise city workers, as well as state observations of the intersection.

“We think that design, or these additions will give drivers a better idea of how the turning movements work,” Nintzel said.

The design of the overpass is an unusual one for Arizona, according to Nintzel.

“Once we re-stripe, it will be a little more clear for the drivers to know, ‘OK, this is the lane to turn into the shopping center,’" he said. "They won’t be as confused.”  

Detour routes will be on Dysart and Litchfield roads.

Casey Kuhn was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2015 to 2019.