Daily Archives: July 10, 2014

ADOT MVD receives award for self-service kiosks

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PHOENIX – When the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division launched ServiceArizona.com in 1997, it was the nation’s first motor vehicle division online service for vehicle registrations.

Over the years, continual technological enhancements and the addition of multiple customer service features allow the website to handle more than eight million MVD-related transactions per year. In recognition of the most recent improvements, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators recently presented ADOT with a 2014 Public Affairs and Consumer Education (PACE) Award for the installation of self-service, touch-screen kiosks, which perform ServiceArizona transactions, in more than half of the statewide MVD offices.

“These kiosks allow customers to quickly and efficiently complete their transactions in an MVD office and we’re pleased that thousands are doing so each week,” said Stacey Stanton, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division.

In 2013, ServiceArizona.com was redesigned to enhance the browsing experience and to improve the capabilities of the website. In addition, many of the features available on the full-service website were made available on kiosks located in MVD offices.

Two types of kiosks were developed. The EXPRESS Registration Renewal kiosk is programmed for registration renewals only and the EXPRESS MVD Services features registration renewals in addition to 19 other transactions, including address changes, voter registration and temporary vehicle permits. Most of the larger MVD offices are equipped with both kiosks.

ADOT MVD offices conduct an average of 14,000 kiosk transactions each month.

The self-service kiosks were implemented to allow more customers in MVD field offices the opportunity to conduct transactions on their own without assistance from customer service representatives. By introducing customers to the time-saving benefits of the new touch-screen kiosks, ADOT hoped more customers would be encouraged to conduct future transactions online at ServiceArizona.com.

The PACE Awards program recognizes public relations, public affairs and consumer education excellence among the motor vehicle, law enforcement and traffic safety agencies across North America. The awards acknowledge creativity, cost effectiveness and the ability to reach consumers with a well-crafted, measured and executed message.

ADOT prepares for early opening of first ramp at I-10/Loop 303 interchange in Goodyear this weekend

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ADOT Photo

ADOT Photo

adot-logo3PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to open the first of four ramps at the freeway-to-freeway traffic interchange that will connect Interstate 10 and Loop 303 in Goodyear.

The elevated ramp from eastbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303, which rises more than 70 feet above ground at its highest point, will open to traffic this weekend while crews continue their work to complete the remainder of the $145 million interchange project on schedule in September.

ADOT’s project team has been planning to open the first ramp at the interchange as soon as possible to reduce the amount of eastbound I-10 traffic, including commercial trucks, using the current Cotton Lane connection to northbound Loop 303 at Thomas Road.

When the new ramp opens, eastbound I-10 drivers will have a direct connection to northbound Loop 303, and will not have to exit at Citrus Road and use local streets, including Cotton Lane north of McDowell Road.

To allow crews to finish adding lane markings for the new ramp, eastbound I-10 will be narrowed to one lane overnight between Perryville and Citrus roads from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday (July 12). The eastbound I-10 exit ramp at Citrus Road also will be closed. Eastbound I-10 drivers should allow extra travel time while the overnight restriction is in place.

The new ramp from eastbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303 is expected to open to traffic by Saturday afternoon.

Completion of the I-10/Loop 303 interchange project by this fall will conclude ADOT’s series of five major projects that began in 2011 to improve Loop 303 into a six-lane freeway between I-10 in Goodyear and Grand Avenue (US 60) in Surprise.

The I-10 and Loop 303 improvement projects in the West Valley are funded as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004. Projects are paid for with a countywide half-cent sales tax for transportation as well as the MAG region’s share of federal funds.

Guardrail repair on northbound I-17 next week

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adot-logo-03aThe Arizona Department of Transportation will repair damaged guardrail along a 17-mile stretch of northbound Interstate 17 (mileposts 243 to 260), from north of Rock Springs to just north of the Bloody Basin bridge starting Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17.

Work hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with alternating lane restrictions during work hours to provide a safe work zone for maintenance crews. Drivers can expect minimal delays.

The speed limit through the work zones will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

Pavement work on I-17 south of SR 169 continues next week

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adot-logo3Overnight paving work will continue on northbound Interstate 17 between the Dugas/Orme exit and the State Route 169 junction (mileposts 268 to 278) starting Sunday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 17 between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. each night.

During work hours, drivers can expect a single lane restriction on northbound I-17.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Overnight work scheduled on SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley next week

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PRESCOTT/CHINO VALLEY – Traffic on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley (mileposts 320-325) will be required to stop intermittently next week to allow trucks to safely cross the highway and crews to relocate temporary concrete barrier along the roadway.

Overnight work will begin on Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night.

Drivers can expect intermittent closures for dirt hauling and delays of up to 15 minutes at a time.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

State Route 89A and Oak Creek Canyon Businesses are Open

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640px-89a140501-1OAK CREEK – Even though the Slide Fire has been extinguished, there remains a threat of flash floods, mudslides and rock slides in Oak Creek Canyon. On three occasions recently, the Arizona Department of Transportation temporarily closed portions of State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff due to flooding and debris flow. With the exception of weather driven closures, State Route 89A remains open. Even though Forest Service campgrounds and forest service recreation areas in Oak Creek Canyon are closed, all of the businesses are open.

Public safety agencies are trying to reduce the negative impact of road closures on residents and businesses by limiting closures. There will be times that the road closes for public safety and motorist safety reasons. Once the highway is closed responding agencies work together to reopen the highway as soon as possible. Life Safety is of paramount importance to agencies responding to the area

Debris flow caused by storm water runoff in Oak Creek has resulted in grey murky water creating questions regarding water quality in Oak Creek. According to the Coconino County Public Health Services District, water contamination is likely following flooding events. Health officials recommend that residents and visitors, especially children and pets, not drink untreated creek water or swim in the creek water as bacteria may be present.

Residents with concerns regarding water quality and well water questions are advised to refer to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Concerns from Wildfire document (PDF).

As a reminder, flash floods can occur after a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of moving water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, rockslides and debris flows within and downstream of the Slide Fire scar area. Please use caution. Move away from the water and if possible head toward State Route 89A or get to high ground east of Oak Creek during flood events.

Female possible Pittbull mix found in Williams

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WILLIAMS – A very friendly female dog was found tonight at the St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church on 2d Street and Grant at approximately 6:15 pm. The dog is a black, apparent Pitt bull mix with all white paws and a white chest and some white on the snout. She only had a choker chain and no identification. She appears to be 2-3 years old. The owners can contact the Williams Police Department at 928-635-4461 to claim the dog.

Dog owners should be aware that without a collar and tag with contact information, you loose dog could wind up at the Williams Police Department and it could cost you to recover the animal. If your dog has a habit of escaping, you should consider a collar and a tag with contact information. You can get reasonably priced dog tags at PetCo in Flagstaff.