Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

MVD specialty plate raises $2 million for breast cancer awareness and screening

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bca-2m_cropPHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey announced this week that Arizona drivers who have ordered the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness specialty license plate have helped raise $2 million for cancer screening and treatment in the past decade. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division has issued nearly 110,000 Pink Ribbon plates since 2006 when legislation authorizing the plates took effect.

A portion of the funds from the Pink Ribbon plates is allocated for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Well Woman HealthCheck Program, which helps pay for screening and treatment of breast and cervical cancer for uninsured women in Arizona. Over the last 10 years, the Well Woman HealthCheck Program has received $1.9 million from the Pink Ribbon program.

“Cancer is a physically, emotionally and financially devastating disease for families,” said Governor Ducey. “When drivers in Arizona choose to put one of the Pink Ribbon license plates on their vehicles, they’re doing their part to help thousands of women beat breast and cervical cancer, and to ease the burden the diseases have on our families and friends. The millions of dollars raised proves once again that Arizona citizens will step up to help others. I commend everyone who has participated in this special program.”

In 2015 the Well Woman HealthCheck Program provided services to more than 5,500 women. Of those women screened, 81 were diagnosed with breast cancer, two were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 25 had pre-cancerous cervical lesions that were removed.

“Early detection of breast and cervical cancer gives women who are diagnosed with the disease the best chance to recover and live longer, cancer-free lives,” said Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. “It takes several diagnostic steps to confirm a cancer diagnosis, which can be costly for women who are uninsured. Thanks in part to the funding from the Pink Ribbon license plate program we provided 11,984 breast cancer screenings and 7,560 cervical cancer procedures in 2015.”

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means it’s a great time to highlight the Pink Ribbon vehicle plate that has been so successful in raising money and awareness to combat this disease,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “We’re proud to see Arizonans respond so enthusiastically to the Pink Ribbon campaign.”

Specialty plates can be ordered online through ServiceArizona.com for a $25 fee. Seventeen dollars from each Pink Ribbon license plate goes to the Well Woman HealthCheck Program. The remaining cost is used for the production and shipping of the plates.

Roundabout will improve safety, traffic flow in Camp Verde near I-17

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CAMP VERDE – A roundabout project on State Route 260 just east of Interstate 17 will enhance safety, and help visitors and residents better navigate a busy commercial area in Camp Verde.

The roundabout will be where SR 260 intersects with Industrial Drive, in an area where many travelers pull over for gasoline, a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

The improvement will keep traffic flowing smoothly in all directions, as well as in and out of businesses. At present, traffic on Industrial Drive can only make right turns onto SR 260, while those on SR 260 can wait in long left-turn bays to get to businesses or turn around.

The Arizona Department of Transportation project, which will begin in the coming weeks and is set for completion in the spring, also will add sidewalks on the north side of SR 260 between Cliffs Parkway and Main Street, and on the south side of SR 260 between Seventh Street and Main Street.

While there will be traffic restrictions throughout the project, access to local businesses and properties will be maintained throughout.

Got five minutes? You can help shape ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

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PHOENIX — In transportation, we are constantly looking ahead. What needs will emerge over the next 25 years? What new technologies will influence how our transportation system operates? How will we fund necessary improvements?

One of the ways the Arizona Department of Transportation looks to the future is “What Moves You Arizona,” the Long-Range Transportation Plan we update every five years. And we need your input to do that.

ADOT has developed an interactive online survey that’s easy and engaging. It gives you the opportunity to rank six transportation priorities: preservation, expansion, safety, technology, accessibility, and maintenance and operations. You get a budget and determine how much of it you’d allocate for each priority. Then you decide tradeoff scenarios that further define your priorities.

This survey lets you experience what we face as transportation planners: setting priorities and making difficult choices with limited resources.

Those who’ve participated so far have ranked safety and expansion highly. And when it comes to managing funds, preservation and expansion get the most dollars for transportation investments.

But we want to hear from more of you! The survey is available until Nov. 11 at whatmovesyouarizona.metroquest.com. It only takes a few minutes and can be completed on a computer, smartphone or tablet. A Spanish-language version of the survey is also available via the link.

While ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan isn’t project-specific, it does identify investment priorities based on current and projected transportation funding over the next 25 years.

It’s up to the public, policymakers and communities to tell ADOT what’s important to them throughout the long-range planning process, and to prioritize projects and funding.

Maintenance scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 26, on southbound Interstate 17 near Table Mesa Road and New River

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will perform routine pavement maintenance between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, on southbound I-17 in two locations:

Between mileposts 237 and 236, near Table Mesa Road; and
Between mileposts 233 and 232 near New River

Minimal delays are expected during work hours. The speed limit through the work zones will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours. Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but it’s possible that unscheduled closures or restrictions might occur because of weather or other factors. For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

ADOT’s ‘Drive For Them’ campaign aims to curb selfish driving habits

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dms-2_cropPHOENIX – Traffic fatalities on Arizona roads are rising and selfish drivers are too often to blame.

Unless drivers stop making bad decisions – driving impaired, driving distracted, driving aggressively and speeding, and not wearing a seat belt – Arizona will continue on its year-to-date pace and top 900 traffic deaths by the end of the year. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s “Drive For Them” campaign aims to reduce traffic fatalities by reminding drivers that their actions can have tragic, yet entirely preventable, consequences for those they share the road with, which includes their families, friends and neighbors.

Historically, impaired driving, speeding and aggressive driving, and distracted driving are among the leading factors in traffic deaths in Arizona. Still, too many drivers continue to engage in these selfish driving behaviors. If some motorists will not drive in a safe manner for themselves, perhaps they will alter their driving habits when confronted with the impact that poor decisions behind the wheel can have on loved ones. Through the weekend, ADOT will display the following messages on overhead highway signs:

YOUR FAMILY
TRAVELS THIS ROAD
DRIVE FOR THEM

YOUR FRIENDS
TRAVEL THESE ROADS
DRIVE FOR THEM

YOUR NEIGHBORS
TRAVEL THESE ROADS
DRIVE FOR THEM

According to preliminary data, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 this year, 690 people have died in vehicle crashes in Arizona. Tragically, many of those deaths were preventable. If drivers did not drive impaired, drive aggressively, drive distracted or speed too fast for conditions, traffic deaths would be significantly reduced.

ADOT prepared to keep highways open, safe during snow season

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towplow-in-action_cropPHOENIX –– With winter and the promise of snow in the high country rapidly approaching, preparation throughout the year means the Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to keep highways open and travelers safe.

Through its certification and training programs, ADOT has 400 certified snowplow operators ready for winter storms.

Regular maintenance by ADOT Equipment Services has the agency’s 200 snowplows ready to go. Last winter, ADOT spent $2.2 million, an average of $11,000 per vehicle, to keep its snowplows in top condition.

“It’s always difficult to predict not only how severe winter weather will be but where problems will occur,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “With our operators trained and our snowplow fleet up and running, however, ADOT has the resources necessary to respond to snow and ice around the state.”

ADOT’s snowplows working on Interstate 40 between Williams and Flagstaff will include a second TowPlow, a steerable trailer that allows one driver in a snowplow to clear two lanes. Attached to the back of a snowplow and steered by the snowplow driver, the TowPlow allows ADOT remove snow and ice more efficiently while using less fuel, and it frees another snowplow and driver to work elsewhere.

As with any snowplow, drivers approaching a TowPlow should slow down and pass only when the operator pulls over to allow traffic to get around. Remember: The road behind a plow is the safest place to be when snow and ice are on the highway.

While ADOT is ready to keep the roads open and as safe as possible in challenging conditions, motorists can do their part by preparing for travel in winter weather.

ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow has tips that include adjusting your speed to conditions, leaving extra room between your vehicle and the one ahead, carrying plenty of food and water, and packing an emergency preparedness kit. Tips include carrying a small bag of cat litter or sand to provide traction if your vehicle becomes stuck along the roadway.

I-40 closed due to multi-vehicle accident

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i-40-2016-10-19-01WILLIAMS — ADOT and Kaibab Forest Service are re-routing traffic due to a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 40 early this morning. The number of vehicles and fatalities is unknown at this time. The smoke from the Pittman Valley prescribed burn may have been a factor in the accident. Smoke from the burn has reduced visibility to near zero and may hamper rescue and clearing efforts.
i-40-2016-10-19-03
Route 66 to Parks currently remains open, but it is highly recommended that you use extreme caution as the smoke is affecting visibility along the route. If you do not absolutely have to travel to Flagstaff, it is recommended that you wait to check conditions in about four-hours.

A report from our Facebook page:

Sarah Jorgensen-Weller 32 mins I40 is closed in both directions from Parks to Flagstaff due to a deadly accident. Please be careful driving through the smoke. hearing from Belmont to Williams Some guys that work with my hubby are stuck in traffic around Parks. They are stopping traffic at Belmont westbound eastbound detours off of 165 .

South Mountain Freeway design meetings draw big crowds, important input

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meeting-0277_cropPHOENIX – Nearly 800 people attended three public meetings on preliminary design plans for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, providing input and asking questions that will guide final design of the 22-mile-long link between the West Valley and East Valley.

The meetings, held in Ahwatukee Foothills, Laveen and west Phoenix, provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the freeway’s alignment, traffic interchanges, noise walls, landscaping and aesthetics.

Representatives from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the developer, Connect 202 Partners, answered questions, received feedback and encouraged attendees to provide comments on detailed design plans.

“The South Mountain Freeway has generated significant interest, as evidenced by the great attendance at these design meetings,” said Rob Samour, ADOT senior deputy state engineer of major projects.

All input is being assessed by ADOT’s development team and, when possible, will influence how the freeway is constructed.

A comprehensive summary of the public meetings, which will be posted at SouthMountainFreeway.com in November, will address any questions that remained unanswered after the three meetings. Participants submitted about 500 comment forms and question cards.

For those who were unable to attend the meetings, the presentations have been posted online and the public can provide feedback through Thursday, Oct. 20, in these ways:

  • Online: SouthMountainFreeway.com
  • Email: SouthMountainFreewayInfo@c202p.com
  • Phone: 1.855.SMF.L202 (1.855.763.5202), or para Español, 623.239.4558
  • Mail: ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The latest project information is available via the project website at SouthMountainFreeway.com, email and text updates (click “Subscribe for Updates” on the project website) and the project hotline numbers (1.855.763.5202, or para Español, 623.239.4558).

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway began in September with improvements to the Interstate 10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) interchange. Work includes extending Loop 202 HOV lanes and widening the shoulders to Pecos Road near 48th Street. Construction of the mainline freeway is scheduled to begin in early 2017.

Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley when it opens to traffic by the end of 2019.

Overnight closures planned on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff Saturday and early Sunday for overhead utility work

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FLAGSTAFF — Five temporary full closures of Interstate 17 near Flagstaff will be required this weekend to accommodate overhead utility work.

North and southbound traffic on I-17 at milepost 337 – located just south of John Wesley Powell Boulevard and west of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – will be stopped while utility crews are working. Closures are scheduled to begin at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and continue to 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Each of the five closures is expected to last approximately 15 minutes.

Drivers should allow extra time for travel, use caution in the work zone and watch for equipment and personnel.

For more information about this project, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer, at 602.501.4899, or email ccole@azdot.gov.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but it’s possible that unscheduled closures or restrictions might occur because of weather or other factors. For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the

ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

ServiceArizona.com meets record demand for voter registration

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PHOENIX – A record 45,294 Arizonans registered Monday to vote in the general election through ServiceArizona.com, the customer website offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division. Another 18,576 registered to vote on Sunday through ServiceArizona.com, with use beginning to spike during that evening’s presidential debate.

Demand was so great as Monday’s deadline to register loomed that ADOT worked with IBM, the provider behind ServiceArizona.com, to increase capacity.

“We take our role in the voter registration process seriously and are dedicated to ensuring all voters can exercise their right to register at their convenience,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

ServiceArizona.com’s previous one-day record for voter registrations was 36,532 on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, the deadline to register to vote in that year’s general election.

Using ServiceArizona.com via computer, smartphone or tablet, Arizonans can register to vote for the first time or update their voter information such as home address, political party preference, early voting status and other information.

Once a person completes the process either online or in person, their information is sent to the Secretary of State’s Office, where it is recorded and shared with county election offices. Since 2002, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division has facilitated nearly 6 million voter transactions online and at MVD offices.

“Our long-standing partnership with ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division benefits Arizona by allowing more people to become voters and enabling current voters to update their information in the most convenient ways possible,” Secretary of State Michele Reagan said. “It’s great to see the number of registered voters grow, and I’m optimistic this will translate into higher turnout on Election Day.”