Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Traffic fatalities in Arizona dip slightly in 2023

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PHOENIX – Traffic fatalities in Arizona decreased slightly in 2023 but are still near all-time highs, according to the state’s annual report on motor vehicle crashes on all roads, including local streets.

There were 1,307 traffic fatalities across the state last year, a decrease of 0.98% compared to 2022, according to the 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. Figures show crashes associated with alcohol impairment and inappropriate speed or speeding continue to be leading causes of deaths and injuries, providing an urgent reminder for Arizonans to avoid engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.

Fewer pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities occurred in 2023. Pedestrian fatalities fell by 12.3% and bicyclist fatalities were 10.2% lower than in 2022. Despite these improvements, the 1,307 traffic fatalities in 2023 is the second-highest annual fatality total ever recorded in Arizona and only slightly behind the 1,320 deaths recorded in 2022.

The Arizona Department of Transportation produces the annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, which is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided by law enforcement agencies around the state. The document reflects reported crash data for all Arizona roadways, including city streets, county roads, reservation roads and state highways.

While the number of traffic fatalities were down by about 1% in 2023 compared to 2022, the total number of crashes on all of Arizona’s roadways was up 1.6%, 122,247 in 2023 compared to 120,356 in 2022.

The statistics show that, like in previous years, crashes and fatalities are overwhelmingly driven by driver behavior, primarily involving speed, impairment, and failure to use seat belts.

“Every fatality represents someone’s loved one,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We need everyone using the roads to work together to reduce these preventable crashes, and we’re working with partners around the state on safety strategies to help meet ADOT’s vision of safely connecting people.”

But ADOT, which maintains the state highway system, can’t do it alone. More traffic fatalities occurred on local roads (828) than on state highways (479), and urban areas saw nearly twice as many fatalities (853) as rural areas (454).

Among factors cited, speed – determined by law enforcement to be unlawful or too fast for conditions – was reported in crashes resulting in 446 fatalities and 20,682 injuries during 2023. This accounted for 34.1% and 38.2% of the totals, respectively. During 2022, speed was a factor in 436 fatalities and 20,137 injuries.

Alcohol-related fatalities have increased in each of the past four years. The 332 killed in alcohol-related crashes represent 25.4% of all traffic fatalities. Male drivers were involved in 72.7% of crashes where alcohol was involved. Drivers ages 25-34 accounted for 35.4% of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Most alcohol-related crashes occur on weekends and at night.

“Everyone expects to come home when they leave their house,” said Jesse Torrez, Director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Speed, distracted driving along with helmet and seat belt usage are a conscious choice. All of these choices can save lives. We have to remind ourselves and others to take a moment and think about home.”

  • There were 258 motorcyclist fatalities in crashes during 2023, which is the highest figure in at least 20 years and an 11.2% increase from 232 during 2022. There are more motorcyclists than ever on Arizona’s roads. Since 2019, Arizona has seen a 33% increase in motorcycle registrations, going from 209,719 to 279,569.

  • Overall, failure to use a safety device, such as a seat belt or helmet, saw fewer fatalities and injuries in 2023 than 2022. In 2023, there were 361 fatalities and 3,239 injuries, while 2022 saw 376 fatalities and 3,301 injuries.

  • The report shows that at least 8,657 drivers involved in collisions during 2023 were engaged in “distracted driving behavior” and 62 of these distracted drivers were involved in fatal crashes. These figures are likely undercounts because drivers may not admit they were distracted or because a distracted driver died in a crash.

The 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report and reports for previous years are available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Blue Envelopes help drivers with autism during traffic stops

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PHOENIX – Arizona is launching a program through which drivers on the autism spectrum can place their credentials in special blue envelopes to enhance communication with law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

This voluntary program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used successfully in Connecticut. The envelope will have instructions for the driver and law enforcement officer to follow and advise the officer that the driver may respond differently to instructions in situations that can increase anxiety.

To provide the necessary groundwork and training, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the University of Arizona’s Police Department, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) training program.

“When I heard about this program in Connecticut, I was extremely fascinated and intrigued to see if we could incorporate it here in Arizona,“ ADOT MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is thrilled to be partnering with DPS and the University of Arizona Police Department to help calm what can otherwise be potentially stressful situations.”

This program will function similarly to the one Connecticut established in 2020. The blue envelope is a voluntary way to hold important vehicle documents such as insurance and registration, while also being a communication tool between the driver and law enforcement during an interaction.

“This program provides explicit support for drivers who choose to participate,” said Jennifer Casteix, UArizona Clinical Professor and ArizonaLEND faculty member. “Better understanding of communication differences should positively impact these interactions.”

After his interim appointment at the University of Arizona in May 2023, Police Chief Chris Olson shared his desire to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the university. Creating partnerships with University of Arizona units that specialize in autism research and caring for the community have been key in laying the groundwork for this program at the University of Arizona.

According to Chief Olson, “The Blue Envelope program is an outstanding public safety initiative that seeks to improve communication between police officers and autistic drivers during traffic stops.”

Director Jeffrey Glover of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said, “The AZDPS is proud to support and be a part of the Blue Envelope Program. A program like this, seeking to enhance safety for both members of the public as well as all law enforcement officers in the State of Arizona, is absolutely invaluable.”

“We are implementing this program with an evidence-based approach to better support law enforcement and autistic drivers to improve safety outcomes,” said Dr. Nell Maltman, UArizona Assistant Professor with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Training with officers and volunteer drivers to simulate a traffic stop with the blue envelopes will be happening next week at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus.

The envelopes are expected to be available through ADOT MVD offices, various law enforcement locations as well as other locations across the state starting in May.

For additional information about this program, please visit azdot.gov/BlueEnvelope.

Drivers on Interstate 17 should plan for nightly lane restrictions in both directions April 15-20

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The restrictions will begin the evening of Monday, April 15, and end the morning of Saturday, April 20, as work continues on the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point.

Drivers should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:

Northbound Restrictions

  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near Rock Springs/Black Canyon City (mileposts 239-240) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) from 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, to 6 a.m. Friday, April 19, for earthwork.

Southbound Restrictions

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) south of Sunset Point (mileposts 250-249) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between Bumble Bee Road and Black Canyon City (mileposts 246-240) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement/removal of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) north of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 238-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) north of New River Road (mileposts 233-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Friday, April 19, for electrical work.

ADOT seeks bids to construct 21 electric vehicle charging stations

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PHOENIX – Advancing plans to support adoption of electric vehicles, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.

The stations are the first major step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations, with 21 facilities expected to be operating by the end of 2025. These stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations. Bids are due April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.

The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy and $76.5 million for Arizona.

The charging stations generally will be spaced no more than 50 miles apart, and must be constructed beyond the freeway within a mile of an interchange. The bidding process outlines general areas where stations eligible for funding can be located, with specific locations to be determined through the selection process. Each station must include at least four chargers that can charge a typical electric vehicle within 20-30 minutes.

While the first round of electric vehicle charging stations will focus on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025. The plans will evolve based on developments within the electric vehicle industry and by studying the usage patterns of the first set of stations that come online.

For more information about the electric vehicle charging station network, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

Delays on SR 87 for pavement work September 21

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for lane restrictions on State Route 87 from just south of the State Route 260 junction to Clints Well (Lake Mary Road) beginning Thursday, September 21, through the end of October.

Drivers should allow extra travel time while the following daytime restrictions are in place from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 6 a.m. to noon on Fridays:

  • SR 87 will be narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel between mileposts 277 – 291.
  • On-site flaggers and a pilot car will guide drivers through the work zone.
  • Expect delays entering and exiting from forest roads.
  • A 10-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place Mondays through Thursdays. Wide loads can be accommodated on Fridays.
  • The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.

Crews will return in spring 2024 to complete final, permanent striping of the roadway.

This project is part of a $90.5 million dollar allocation for highway pavement repairs initiated after a record amount of snow and rain this past winter that created ideal conditions for worn sections of pavement and potholes to form.

For additional information, contact Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at jstephens@azdot.gov or 480.751.7104.

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a public survey to gather input about the speed limit along a stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix, in accordance with a new state law.

ADOT has commissioned an independent study to determine an appropriate speed limit for I-17 between the I-10 “Split” interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Peoria Avenue. The speed limit for that part of I-17 is currently 55 mph.

You can take part in the online survey from now through Saturday, Sept. 30, at https://tinyurl.com/I-17speedlimits; by email at projects@azdot.gov); and by phone at 1.855.712.8530. Comments also can be mailed to: I-17 Speed Limit Study, ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The speed study follows passage of legislation (SB 1102) that calls for a minimum speed limit of 65 mph on any interstate highway in counties with a population of 3 million or more people.

SB 1102 also stipulates that a lower speed limit can be set if certain conditions are met, including:

  • A lower limit is deemed necessary based on an independent engineering study or roadway assessment.
  • The overall system capacity and mobility along the freeway will not be reduced.
  • An opportunity for public input is provided.

The I-17 speed limit study is scheduled for completion in mid-October.

Interstate 17 to close in both directions nightly from Bumble Bee Road to Sunset Point for controlled rock blasting June 5-8

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The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists to plan for overnight full closures and lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The work is starting Monday, June 5, and ending the morning of Saturday, June 10, as the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point continues.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following closures and restrictions are in place:

Controlled Rock Blasting Schedule – Expect delays of at least one hour and backups of about two miles.
17

I-17 will be closed in both directions between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) from 10 to 11 p.m. the nights of Monday, June 5, Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, for controlled rock blasting. The on-ramp to southbound I-17 from Sunset Point, and the on-ramp to northbound I-17 from Bumble Bee Road will be closed at the same time.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Sunset Point and Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 252-250) nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for controlled rock blasting operations.

Other Lane Restrictions Next Week

Northbound

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 232-234) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for earthwork.

Southbound

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 248-246) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 242-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for temporary striping, temporary concrete barrier, bridge demolition at Moores Gulch, and earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Table Mesa Road and New River Road (mileposts 236-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work and the installation of temporary concrete barrier.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) between New River Road and Anthem Way (mileposts 231-229) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work.

Expect daytime I-40 ramp closures in Flagstaff June 5-9

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising Flagstaff area drivers to plan for I-40 westbound ramp closures at Walnut Canyon Road and Country Club Drive beginning Monday, June 5, through Friday, June 9.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following I-40 ramp closures are in place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Walnut Canyon Road will be closed Monday, June 5.
  • Westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Country Club Drive will be closed Tuesday, June 6.
  • Westbound I-40 on- and off ramps at Butler Avenue will be closed Wednesday, June 7.
  • Westbound I-40 connecting ramp to northbound I-17 (SR 89A) will be closed Thursday, June 8.

Message boards and roadside signs will be in place to help drivers enter or exit I-40 at the next available traffic interchange.

The restrictions are needed as work continues on the I-40: I-17 to Walnut Canyon Road project. For more information, visit the project web page.

Upcoming traffic restrictions on State Route 89a in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

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SEDONA — The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers and area residents and businesses to plan for upcoming daytime full closures and lane restrictions on State Route 89A in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

DAYTIME FULL CLOSURES

  • Full closures will be from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days:
    • Tuesday, June 20 through Thursday June 22.
    • Tuesday, June 27 and Wednesday, June 28.
  • North- and southbound SR 89A will be closed to all traffic between the Owenby Way roundabout and the Midgley Bridge picnic area (mileposts 375-376).
    • NORTHBOUND DETOUR:  Sedona area drivers  traveling north to Flagstaff will use State Route 179 to Interstate 17.
    • SOUTHBOUND DETOUR:  Flagstaff area drivers traveling south to Sedona will use I-17 to SR 179.
  • The roadway will reopen each day after work hours.

SINGLE-LANE RESTRICTIONS

  • SR 89A will be intermittently narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel between the Owenby Way roundabout and Oak Creek Vista (mileposts 375-390). The restrictions will be in place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m from June 5 to 16 and on June 19, 23, 26, 29 and 30.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will guide traffic through the work zone.
  • Speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.
  • No work will take place on the weekends.
  • The restrictions will be lifted each day after work hours.

The restrictions are needed as work continues on the SR 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvements project, which includes rockfall mitigation, erosion control and a bridge rehabilitation.

Please visit azdot.gov/SR89A for additional project information or contact Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at (480) 751-7104 or jstephens@azdot.gov.

No state highway closures over Memorial Day weekend

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PHOENIX — Drivers should monitor weather forecasts, check their vehicles and pack an emergency travel kit if heading out on a Memorial Day weekend trip, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The good news for drivers is that ADOT and its contractors are not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 26, through Monday night, May 29, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

ADOT still recommends an early start and extra time, especially during peak travel periods. Motorists should be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

An emergency prep kit for your vehicle should include extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger, snacks, diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember as the annual summer travel season gets underway.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Drivers should be prepared to slow down and move over if ADOT workers and other first responders are along state highways. In addition to on-call statewide maintenance crews, the ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers in need of help. More information about ADOT IRU can be found on the ADOT website.

Motorists also should slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.