PHOENIX – A bridge over a southeastern Arizona freeway that was severely damaged in a deadly wreck last year has been rebuilt, transportation officials announced Monday.

With the overpass now operational, State Route 191 traffic can again travel across Interstate 10 about 9 miles west of Willcox, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

ADOT has opened a reconstructed bridge that carries US 191 over I-10 in southeast Arizona after a crash that severely damaged the structure in 2023.

MORE: https://t.co/fJn7kTNtnH pic.twitter.com/y5xLukS8zZ

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 5, 2024

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The bridge has been unusable since a semi-truck heading west on I-10 slammed into a support pillar and caught fire just after midnight on May 3, 2023. The driver died in the crash.

A section of westbound I-10 was closed for two days after the crash, creating a long detour to bypass the collision site. Crews worked around the clock to make it safe for traffic to travel under the SR 191 overpass.

However, the bridge’s superstructure — including the girders and deck — still needed to be demolished and rebuilt.

In November, ADOT secured $5.3 million in federal emergency funds for the construction project.

While the bridge is now open, motorists can expect to see crews completing minor asphalt work and lane striping in September.

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Arizona and Cleveland. Two teams that just roll off the tongue together, no? Really? Not for you? Strange.

Cleveland made some waves in 2022, winning the AL Central, reaching Game 5 of the ALDS, having defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card. They stretched the Yankees to the limit as well, but a young team fell short. Hopes were high for 2023 and…were not met. Now another year removed, they look to replicate and surpass those 2022 highs. They enter the series with the best record in baseball. They have an offense that is terrifying when it all comes together (which it often does). They have an established pitching factory that seemingly creates effective arms (both starting and relief) at will. They have a World Class Closer in Clase. An MVP candidate in Jose Ramirez. A better version of Luis Arraez in Steven Kwan. And a true-rookie manager well on his way to unanimously winning AL Manager of the Year in Stephen Vogt.

Arizona meanwhile is experiencing a season of ups and downs. Expectations were high entering 2024, and have not been met, but contention is still occurring. Despite atrocious results from Jordan Montgomery, no results from Eduardo Rodriguez, and a sophomore slump of epic proportions the team currently holds the final NL Wild Card and even has a tiny amount of breathing room. ERod is likely to return this series. Brandon Pfaadt and Zac Gallen get to pitch on either side of him. Suarez might be slowing down after a torrid July, but Ketel appears to be picking back up in his own MVP race.

This series could end up being a precursor for a World Series! One I would be able to experience in person here in Ohio! It could also end up a footnote in two otherwise forgotten seasons. But in the moment, the stakes are high for both teams.

Monday 8/5/2024 at 3:40pm Arizona Time in Progressive Field: Zac Gallen (9-5, 3.56 ERA, 93.2 IP, 92 K) vs. Logan Allen (8-4, 5.67 ERA, 87.1 IP, 76 K)

This Logan Allen is the one some people got very excited about last winter when we collected the other one. His 2024 has not been as exciting as 2023 was, but he’s been working some stuff out in Columbus for Cleveland’s AAA affiliate since July 7. He’s been far better in the capitol of Ohio, but against lesser opponents than Arizona.

Gallen meanwhile has posted fairly good starts recently when you check the box score, but has struggled and worked hard to reach those results. Unfortunately the last 4 teams he’s faced have been: Toronto, Chicago North, Pittsburgh and Washington. While none are pushovers exactly in 2024, none are pinnacles of excellence either. Against an offense like Cleveland’s, his could be another rough outing. But if anyone is going to break through in a big way against a team that we don’t expect, it’s totally Gallen right?

Scales tip toward Cleveland in the opener, but it could be closer to a draw!

Tuesday 8/6/2024 at 3:40pm Arizona Time in Progressive Field: TBD – Likely Eduardo Rodriguez (Season Debut?) vs. Ben Lively (10-6, 3.42 ERA, 105.1 IP, 90 K)

Game two is a weird game. It’s looking to be the season debut of Eduardo Rodriguez for Arizona. He’s the first big rotation free agency splurge for Mike Hazen of last winter, but he’s been on the shelf the whole season with “minor” injuries that keep delaying him. What to expect from him is a fools prospect as he entered free agency after a career year and is basically made of bubble gum and hopes. To say nothing of the lack of a rehab stint with any minor league affiliates…

The offense may need to bail him out against Ben Lively, which could be a tall order. He has been sharp for a team on a season-long roll. Just before the All Star Break, he had a hiccup of allowing 6ER against Detroit over 5.1 innings. But that was mid-slide for Cleveland and he met one of the hottest teams in MLB at the time in the Tigers. He hasn’t gone less than 5 full innings since June 16. His opposing teams over that stretch aren’t the most impressive, but baseball is all about timing as well. He will look to continue his stretch of solidly providing his team with a chance to win.

Scales tip toward Cleveland pretty heavily here. Who knows what sort of Rodriguez Arizona will get (dare we ask ….if? still at this point). And in Lively, the offense could have a gritty starter to really work at bats against.

Wednesday 8/7/2024 at 11:10am Arizona Time in Progressive Field: Brandon Pfaadt (5-6, 3.97 ERA, 131.1 IP, 118 K) vs. Carlos Carrasco (3-9, 5.53 ERA, 99.1 IP, 84 K)

On paper at least, this game feels the most obtainable for Arizona. On the mound you have Pfaadt who has fairly easily been the ace of the staff in 2024. He hasn’t taken a loss since June 19 and he has a single game all season where he went less than 5 innings (July 6 in San Diego – 4.1 IP). On top of being a work horse, he has put up solid production as well. Not too shabby for the former top prospect many were ready to trade about 12 months ago!

On the reverse side is Carrasco… The veteran who may lose his rotation spot to trade deadline acquisitions soon. He has been a healthy enough arm for Cleveland to “rely” on in 2024, but that’s about where the good ends. He is coming off an impressive start against Baltimore, but that ended a streak of 3 consecutive losses for him. And he still only went 4.1 innings. For a 37 year-old, it’s not too horrid. But for a team with eyes on ending the longest active World Series draught in baseball, he’s not cutting it.

Scales favor Arizona here.

GILA COUNTY, AZ (Arizona Highways TV) — If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure through some of Arizona’s most scenic and charming locations, this episode is your perfect guide.

Arizona Highways TV takes you on a journey along Highway 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, which cuts through the heart of the Tonto National Forest.

This road trip between Phoenix and the White Mountains offers a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and unique local flavors that you won’t want to miss.

Our journey begins in the vast expanse of the Tonto National Forest, the largest urban forest in the United States.

Covering nearly 3 million acres, this forest offers a diverse range of landscapes from flatlands to highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to nearly 8,000 feet.

As you drive north, you’ll witness the transition from desert saguaros to towering evergreens, culminating in the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines.

First stop: Strawberry, Arizona.

This quaint town is a perfect getaway, just two hours from Phoenix and 20 degrees cooler.

One of the highlights here is the Pie Bar, a specialty restaurant run by Kimberly Brennan. Known for its delicious empanadas, Pie Bar offers a variety of flavors, from green chili to chicken pot pie.

Kimberly’s inspiration comes from her time in Puerto Vallarta, and her empanadas are a must-try for any visitor.

Just west of Strawberry, you can hike along the beautiful Fossil Creek.

This area is one of Arizona’s most diverse riparian zones, home to over 30 species of trees and shrubs and more than 100 species of birds.

Managed by the Tonto and Coconino National Forests, Fossil Creek flows for 14 miles and offers stunning natural beauty.

Next, we head to Pine, Arizona, just a few miles south of Strawberry. Here, you’ll find the Rusty Pine Cone, a specialty gift shop owned by Jean and Lee Pendergraft.

From custom wood signs to homemade jellies, this shop has something for everyone. Pine is also home to electric bike tours, offering a unique way to explore the town and its surroundings.

No trip along Highway 87 is complete without a visit to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

This park features the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, a stunning formation millions of years in the making. The park offers plenty of spots for picnics and even hosts weddings and family reunions.

As we continue our journey, we stop at Coles Ranch Lodge, a historic lodge along Tonto Creek that has been welcoming guests since 1917.

Whether you choose to stay in a creekside cabin or enjoy a meal at the Zane Grey Steakhouse, this lodge offers a perfect retreat.

Finally, we reach By the Bucket, a unique eatery in Payson that serves spaghetti in buckets.

Founded by Brett Acosta, this restaurant has become a local favorite, offering delicious spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread.

We also explore the Zane Grey Cabin, a historic replica dedicated to the famous author who wrote extensively about Arizona. The cabin houses original artifacts and offers a glimpse into the life of this prolific writer.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking to relax and enjoy some local flavors, this episode has something for everyone.

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