I-10 Has Never Been Completed: Arizona’s Endless Road Construction Saga

Every construction zone has its characters.

There’s the tourist in a rental car who suddenly realizes they need to cross three lanes to reach their exit.

There’s the driver going far below the speed limit because they’re trying to understand the temporary lane pattern.

There’s the pickup truck that appears completely unimpressed by the construction zone.

And then there’s the person who waits until the last possible second to merge.

You know the one.

They’ve been driving beside you for two miles.

Suddenly, they need to get in front of you.

Step 7: Find the Construction Crew

Eventually, you pass the work area.

You see cones.

Barriers.

Heavy machinery.

Construction workers wearing bright safety vests.

Perhaps there’s a bulldozer.

Perhaps there’s an excavator.

Perhaps there’s one person working while several other vehicles are parked nearby.

And, of course, there is usually another sign reminding you:

ROAD WORK AHEAD

At this point, you begin wondering whether “ahead” means the next mile or the next decade.

Now comes the hardest part.

The traffic stops.

You move forward a few feet.

Stop again.

Move forward.

Stop again.

The car in front of you moves.

You move.

The car in front of them moves.

You move.

Then everyone stops again.

You look at the clock.

Your appointment is getting closer.

Your estimated arrival time keeps getting later.

Your GPS has abandoned optimism.

You start wondering whether walking would actually be faster.

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