ADOT Delays Repairs On I-10 Deck Park Tunnel
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The Arizona Department of Transportation is postponing repair work on the I-10 Deck Park Tunnel in central Phoenix until next year. That’s so it won’t interfere with scheduled events at two city parks on the tunnel’s roof.
ADOT was scheduled to start installing a new drainage system on top of the tunnel this month, but now it won’t happen until next June.
Construction crews will have to dig up a section of delicately pruned trees and shrubs at the Japanese Friendship Garden and a grassy field at Margaret Hance Park. The Japanese Garden closes every summer and ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said the work has been rescheduled so this year’s Oktoberfest, weddings and other festivities at the parks won’t be interrupted.
"Rather than starting in July, as was planned this time around, we hopefully can start in June of next year," Nintzel said. "And gain some extra weeks and get these important drainage improvements done.”
The 25-year-old tunnel has a leaky roof and the new drain will prevent water from damaging its electrical system. ADOT has agreed to pay the city of Phoenix to replace plants killed during the $1.5 million project.
