Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Value engineering increases value, reduces delivery time for I-17 bridge project

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s original plan for improving the Interstate 17 bridges at Willard Springs Road south of Flagstaff called for replacing the decks in both directions over two summers, ending well into 2019. The project that’s underway, however, is replacing the bridges in their entirety by the end of November – at no additional cost.

The difference is thanks to a process called value engineering.

Once a project has been awarded, ADOT and contractors can use value engineering to systematically analyze the plans and identify ways to deliver improvements safely, reliably and efficiently for the lowest overall cost possible, looking for ways to improve quality and value while reducing time needed to complete the work. For ADOT to approve a contractor’s value engineering proposal, the change must either reduce cost or delivery time or both while adding value.

As an alternative to removing and replacing just the bridge decks at I-17 and Willard Springs Road, the contractor, Fisher Industries, proposed creating new bridge abutments as well by using giant steel plates attached to construction vehicles as molds around rebar cages. Once the concrete sets, the steel plates can be moved quickly, allowing crews to pour concrete for another part of the abutment.

Building abutments normally takes weeks. With this technique, being used for the first time on an ADOT project, it took only days for crews to create abutments for the I-17 bridges at Willard Springs Road.

“Once the abutments are built, the bridge work is the same that we’ve always done,” said Steve Monroe, senior resident engineer for ADOT’s North Central District. “It’s nice to have the contractor get in, get the job done in a much more efficient way and get out.”

The new bridges are expected to be ready prior to the long Thanksgiving weekend. For now, drivers are moving by the work zone along I-17 using two lanes. Willard Springs Road is closed under I-17 while work is occurring, but drivers who need to access Willard Springs can still do so use using the southbound lanes of I-17.

In addition to improving delivery time and value, having both bridges done in one season rather than two reduces the length of time drivers must deal with restrictions at Willard Springs Road.

The bridge improvements are part of a larger project to improve northbound I-17 from milepost 312 north to the Flagstaff area. Several miles of the interstate have been repaved along with new guardrail. Both the right and left lanes from milepost 312 to 315 have been completely rebuilt and are already being used by traffic.

In the final weeks before the weather turns too cold for paving, crews will focus on completing paving of both lanes between mileposts 312 and 316 and the right lane up to milepost 331 at Kelly Canyon Road. After a winter hiatus, crews will return when the weather warms to finish the project.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/I17Paving.

Paving continues on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers to plan for possible travel delays because of a ramp closure on I-40 at Parks on Monday. Crews are repairing 17 miles of pavement on I-40 between Parks and Williams. As crews pave I-40, they plan to close the westbound on-ramp at Parks (milepost 178) from 6 a.m. to noon. Traffic will be detoured to Bellemont (milepost 185) to re-enter westbound I-40.

Please proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Paving continues on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers to plan for travel delays because of ramp closures on Interstate 40 at Parks on Monday, October 22, and Tuesday, October 23. Crews are repairing 17 miles of pavement on I-40 between Parks and Williams.

As crews pave Interstate 40, they plan to close the on- and off-ramps at Parks between the following hours:

1. The eastbound off-ramp at Parks (milepost 178) will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, October 22. Traffic will be detoured to Pittman Valley Road (milepost 171) to re-enter eastbound I-40.
2. The westbound on-ramp at Parks (milepost 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to noon Tuesday, October 23. Traffic will be detoured to Bellemont (milepost 185) to re-enter westbound I-40.

Drivers are advised to plan for travel delays. Please proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Reducing inactive projects balance helps move ADOT improvements forward sooner

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PHOENIX – When a project isn’t using some or all of the funding committed to it because it’s become inactive, freeing that money as quickly as possible means the Arizona Department of Transportation can move forward sooner with other work that’s ready to go.

That’s the goal behind a comprehensive effort to reduce what is known formally as ADOT’s inactive projects balance. This balance is comprised of ADOT projects and local projects that haven’t used any of the funding committed to them in more than 180 days.

At its peak, ADOT’s inactive projects balance stood at $160 million, representing money committed to about 3,000 individual project phases including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.

Today, ADOT employees responsible for project funding have reduced that balance to $50.4 million and are continuing to develop ways to reduce it even further.

“To some, it may sound like an achievement that only an accountant could love, but reducing our inactive projects balance is a win for all Arizonans,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This allows us to be more nimble in getting limited transportation funding to other projects that will improve the quality of life in this state.”

The most common reasons for projects becoming inactive include requesting funding too far in advance of needing to spend it, a local agency not invoicing ADOT in a timely manner and representatives failing to notify ADOT that a project or project phase is complete.

“Working across ADOT divisions and with local partners, our employees have identified problems that contribute to the inactive projects balance and developed sustainable improvements,” said Kristine Ward, ADOT’s Chief Financial Officer. “We have a clear path and process for continuing to reduce this balance and get even more projects going sooner.”

This effort is aligned with the agency’s use of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Doug Ducey. It calls for all employees to identify ways to improve continuously improve processes and their value to customers.

The improvements include ADOT tracking inactive projects weekly and examining each project phase rather than the whole project when determining what has become inactive. Each month, a website lists inactive projects and projects that will be considered inactive in 30 days.

Employees developed a new policy on inactive projects spelling out that funding authorization should be requested only when a project phase is ready to proceed and providing a consistent process for closing out projects. ADOT representatives have made presentations about the policy and procedures at meetings of local government leaders in addition to conducting webinars for ADOT staff and those with local agencies.

Looking to reduce the inactive projects balance even further, ADOT now is focusing on ways to streamline the process for closing out project phases so the remaining committed funds can be released sooner.

Learn more about how the Arizona Management System works at ADOT by visiting azdot.gov/AMS.

ADOT detectives nab dealer for selling vehicle with false odometer reading

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PHOENIX – A Gilbert man who manages a used car dealership has been arrested for selling a vehicle with a false odometer reading in addition to other violations by detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General.

Mikel Martinez, 37, manager of Auto Link of Arizona, had recently sold a 2013 Chevrolet E2500 Cargo Van stating that it had 159,000 miles on it. Unbeknownst to the buyer, the vehicle had actually racked up over 303,000 miles.

The buyer originally came to OIG because Martinez had not provided the title or registration for the van. Martinez had also informed her that she was being financed through BHFC Financial Services; however, when the buyer contacted the company, it had no record of her.

ADOT’s Office of Inspector General took up the case and opened an investigation that led detectives to discover that the vehicle mileage on the title had been altered from when it was first titled to Auto Link of Arizona.

When Martinez was called in to OIG headquarters regarding the odometer tampering, detectives discovered that in addition to altering the mileage, Martinez removed the letter “C” designation on the vehicle’s title. A letter “C” indicates the true mileage of the vehicle is unknown. It was also discovered that he had a fictitious dealer plate on his vehicle that was made of laminated paper.

Martinez was arrested and booked at the Fourth Avenue Jail on Sept. 21 and is currently facing counts of fraudulent schemes, forgery, tampering with a public record, displaying a fictitious plate and odometer fraud.

While ADOT’s Office of Inspector General stands ready to assist those who’ve fallen victim to fraud, ADOT has car-buying tips that can be found on the agency’s website at azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips.

Beware of odometer fraud.

Check the odometer reading on the vehicle instrument cluster and compare it to what is listed on the back of the title from the seller and any odometer information contained in any vehicle history reports or repair invoices. Also check the title to see if the actual mileage is listed (Box A).
A typical vehicle is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If the odometer mileage of a vehicle shows much less than that average annual usage, it could be an indicator that the odometer has been rolled back, and worth further inspection.
Have a trusted mechanic check the odometer for signs of tampering and for wear on the vehicle to see if it’s in line with the displayed mileage. A mechanic can also check the vehicle computer for mileage.

Use good judgment and ask lots of questions. There are no stupid questions when it comes to protecting yourself in a big purchase. Do this:

Ask for identification to make sure the seller is the owner listed on the title.
Ask to see vehicle maintenance records.
Check the VIN on the inside of the driver’s door frame and on the top of the dashboard to make sure they match.
Check for VIN tampering such as the door frame sticker peeled off and replaced, and altered rivets on the dashboard plaque.

The most important thing to do is to take time and not rush the process. If the seller is acting suspiciously, unwilling to show ID or records or trying to rush the process, walk away. Take the time to find the right purchase.

Seek help if you’ve been scammed. ADOT is here to help victims of fraud involving vehicle titles, registrations and driver licenses. Call our 24-hour fraud hotline at 877.712.2370 or email fraud@azdot.gov.

ADOT project rebuilding stretch of I-40 wins national award

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I-40 improvement near Devil Dog Road – ADOT Photo

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation project that’s rebuilding 5 miles of Interstate 40 near Williams has been ranked in the nation’s top 10 by Roads & Bridges, a construction industry publication.

The many freeze-thaw cycles seen annually in this area, combined with heavy snow, snowplowing and use by a large number of commercial vehicles, had stressed pavement considerably between Williams and Devil Dog Road.

A $34 million project completely removed the existing eastbound roadway and replaced the surface with new concrete pavement, and crews are nearly done with work overlaying the westbound roadway with new concrete pavement.

“We were patching potholes after every winter storm,” said Chad Auker, assistant district engineer for ADOT’s North Central District. “It was a big maintenance issue.”

To accelerate much-needed improvements, ADOT and Gannett Fleming, the design firm for the project, completed design work, which normally takes about a year, in less than three months. And construction has moved rapidly in part because crews are incorporating Portland Cement Concrete Pavement recycled from this stretch.

Using Portland Cement Concrete Pavement as the road surface increases pavement life by up to 60 percent and outlasts asphalt overlays by at least 10 years.

Gannett Fleming made the nomination to Roads & Bridges because of the project’s innovative and sustainable approach. Handling the construction is Fann Contracting Inc.

“It’s much-deserved,” Auker said. “The whole team, from the designers to the development team to the contractor and ADOT construction staff, worked hard. There were a lot of long days and long weeks, and the award is well-deserved for bringing new pavement to the road.”

The reconstruction between Williams and Devil Dog Road is among projects improving 34 miles of I-40 west Flagstaff. Crews also are improving 28 miles of northbound Interstate 17 just south of Flagstaff and reconstructing I-40 bridge decks at the interchange with I-17 in Flagstaff.

At ports of entry and elsewhere, ADOT helps combat human trafficking

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PHOENIX – At Arizona Department of Transportation commercial ports of entry near California and New Mexico, K-9 units are trained to identify not only evidence of illegal drugs but human cargo that can include victims of human trafficking. Lieutenants overseeing these ports have training on identifying warning signs of human trafficking, such as unusual tattoos, an unwillingness to speak up and carrying large amounts of cash without explanation.

Meanwhile, dozens of vehicles driven by officers with ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division have bumper stickers aimed at directing those who need help or who see signs of trouble to EndSexTrafficking.AZ.gov or 888.373.7888, resources offered through the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

With human trafficking an increasingly urgent issue, ADOT officers enforcing commercial vehicle laws have joined other law enforcement agencies and the Arizona Human Trafficking Council created by Governor Doug Ducey to help make Arizona a leader in combating this crime.

“Human trafficking is not just something you hear about on TV or read on the Internet; it’s happening right here in our state,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “That’s why it’s critical for ADOT to be part of this comprehensive effort to combat it.”

As a member of the Arizona Human Trafficking Council, Chief Gary McCarthy with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, part of the Enforcement and Compliance Division, chairs the outreach and awareness committee that not only raises public awareness but trains people on how to spot human trafficking and what to do about it.

In addition to the training provided to lieutenants overseeing commercial ports of entry, starting in 2019 advanced training for ADOT officers will include a human-trafficking component, including where the demand comes from and what cases look like. And the Enforcement and Compliance Division plans to develop online training so other ADOT employees who work along highways will learn how to spot the signs of human trafficking.

Since December, ADOT has had its first two K-9 units trained to detect human smuggling in addition to illegal drugs. The K-9s are used at the ports of entry along the eastern and western sides of Arizona to check any commercial vehicles that raise suspicions.

“We’re taking a few approaches to do our part to end this heinous practice here in Arizona,” McCarthy said. “>From training more officers to use of our K-9 units to raising awareness through bumper stickers on our vehicles, ADOT is serious about stopping human trafficking and saving lives.”

If you would like to learn more about how to help stop human trafficking, please visit EndSexTrafficking.az.gov. To report anything suspicious, please call 888.373.7888.

Closures scheduled in conjunction with I-17, I-40 and Beulah Boulevard improvement project

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FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff-area drivers should plan for closures while deck work continues on four Interstate 40 bridges that carry traffic over I-17 and Beulah Boulevard. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to use detour routes and allow extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place:

  • The closure of the ramp from southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 will remain in place around the clock through Wednesday, October 17. Detour: Use southbound I-17 to the J.W. Powell/ I-17 interchange, then travel north on I-17 to eastbound on I-40.
  • Northbound Beulah Boulevard will be closed from 8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, and from 10:30 p.m. Monday, October 22, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, October 23. Detour: Travel south to the J.W. Powell/ I-17 interchange, then north on I-17 to Forest Meadows Street and west to Beulah Boulevard.
  • Southbound Beulah Boulevard will be closed from 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 23, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, and from 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, to 5 a.m. Thursday, October 25. Detour: Travel north to Forest Meadows Street, east to I-17 and south onto southbound I-17 to the J.W. Powell/I-17 Interchange, then north on Beulah Boulevard.

Work to repair and replace the decks on the four bridges began eight months ago and is scheduled for completion later this year. Learn more on the project webpage. ADOT advises drivers to slow down in the work zone, follow posted detour routes and use caution around construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Closure of multiple days expected on US 89 north of Flagstaff

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PHOENIX – Coordinating efforts with tribal governments and federal partners, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to reopen a section of US 89 severed by flooding about 60 miles north of Flagstaff between State Route 64 at Cameron and US 160.

With US 89 expected to remain closed for multiple days due to the washout between mileposts 467 and 481 on the Navajo Nation, motorists heading to Page, Tuba City and other destinations north of Cameron can take Interstate 40 east from Flagstaff to State Route 87 at Winslow, then head north to State Route 264, northwest to US 160 in Tuba City and west to US 89.

For those traveling from points south on US 89, the closure doesn’t affect access to Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance via SR 64.

“For residents, tourists and trade, US 89 is an essential route through northern Arizona,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We are bringing all available resources to minimize the time needed to reopen the highway, and we are grateful for the assistance offered by Navajo and Hopi leaders and by the Federal Highway Administration.”

In addition to sending personnel and equipment to the remote site, ADOT has requested special funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.

The flooding, caused late Wednesday by the remnants of Hurricane Rosa, cut through a 30-foot section of US 89 and through the earth beneath it, necessitating extensive repairs. ADOT will make short-term repairs to reopen the highway and return later with a project to make permanent repairs.

ADOT is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on the detour route, which adds about 125 miles to a trip between Flagstaff and Page. Even if a GPS recommends another route, ADOT and AZDPS urge drivers to avoid using tribal roads through the area, most of which are dirt and may have been damaged by the storm that severed US 89.

The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe are assisting on the detour route to discourage detours on tribal roads that may not be passable at present. Meanwhile, ADOT is working closely with the tribes as well as Coconino County on the timetable for reopening the highway, communicating essential information with motorists and other critical issues.

“The Navajo Division of Transportation appreciates the quick response by the Arizona Department of Transportation regarding the road damage on Highway 89,” said Garret Silversmith, division director for the Navajo Division of Transportation. “Historically, NDOT and ADOT have always had a strong and collaborative relationship on transportation concerns and issues throughout the Navajo Nation and the great state of Arizona. Thus NDOT has offered and is providing assistance to ADOT with the corrective repair efforts on the Hwy 89 road damage.”

Michael Lomayaktewa, director of the Hopi Department of Transportation, said motorists using state routes through the tribe’s reservation should watch for pedestrians and for local traffic, including buses, and also should be aware that some stretches have sharp bends and steep grades.

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

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PHOENIX – Recent storms have given Arizonans in the market for used cars even more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales. Cars damaged by floodwaters such as those resulting from Hurricane Florence can sometimes find their way to Arizona to be sold.

If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But scammers can and do fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.

“We want to make sure potential buyers remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles and not sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper,” said Willie Hall, detective sergeant with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which investigates fraud involving titles and vehicle sales. “Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repackaged and dressed up are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.”

Potential buyers should closely inspect vehicles and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

· Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Criminals usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
· Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. Get under the vehicle and check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re looking at buying checked out by a trusted auto mechanic.

A vehicle identification number can be used to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “non-repairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

For more information: azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips, 24-hour fraud hotline at 602-277-5684 or 877.712.2370 (outside Phoenix) or email fraud@azdot.gov.

The vision of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is to “get Arizona out of line and safely on the road”. Dedicated MVD employees, Authorized Third Party providers and offering more services online help MVD achieve this vision.