Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Wildfire forces extended lane restriction east of Payson

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PHOENIX — An extended lane closure is in place on eastbound State Route 260 about 30 miles east of Payson because of the Fulton Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The right lane of eastbound SR 260 will remain closed between mileposts 279 and 282, near Young Road, while crews continue to fight the fire.

There is no estimated time to reopen the right lane. Drivers may experience delays in the area and should allow extra travel time. In addition, smoke may limit visibility on SR 260.

Information on active fires is available through the Arizona Division of Emergency Management at azein.gov. For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 511.

ADOT completes US 89 improvements in Cameron

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cameron-1CAMERON — US 89 through the Navajo Nation community of Cameron has a wider roadway, two new bridges over the Little Colorado River, a modern roundabout at the junction with State Route 64, and underpasses for people and livestock thanks to a recently completed Arizona Department of Transportation project.

“Traffic safety and mobility are ADOT’s top priorities,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for ADOT’s North Central District. “In addition to keeping motorists safer with a wider highway and new lighting, the people of Cameron have better mobility with new sidewalks and underpasses that provide connection on both sides of US 89.”

The $36.7 million project began in March 2014.

The four-mile, four-lane stretch of US 89 in Cameron, about 50 miles north of Flagstaff, features a raised median to enhance safety as well as four underpasses.

An older truss bridge at the Little Colorado River has also been replaced by separate bridges for northbound and southbound traffic. The new bridges meet all current state and federal standards, and can carry more traffic.

A modern roundabout built to accommodate large vehicles provides an interchange for those using SR 64 to or from the eastern entrance to Grand Canyon National Park or taking US 89 as the gateway to or from the Page/Lake Powell region, Arizona Strip, southern Utah, Four Corners area and other points of interest.

Old State Route 89 bridge over Hell Canyon to be removed

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old-hell-canyon-bridgeCHINO VALLEY — The 62-year-old State Route 89 bridge at Hell Canyon will be removed this Friday, September 16.

The Arizona Department of Transportation replaced the 1954 bridge, which no longer met state and federal design standards for larger and heavier vehicles, earlier this year. The new bridge is better able to accommodate commercial traffic, particularly oversized loads, between Prescott and Interstate 40.

Crews began dismantling the old bridge in August by removing the bridge deck. In the next step, contractors will use an implosion technique that causes the bridge girders to melt and allows the structure to collapse onto itself.

Motorists traveling on SR 89 between Prescott and Interstate 40 should expect delays of up to 30 minutes on Sept. 16 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Drivers may consider changing the time of their travel or consider alternate routes, including I-17 and I-40 through Flagstaff or US 93.

The new Hell Canyon Bridge, located about 18 miles north of Chino Valley between Prescott and Ash Fork, carries about 3,400 vehicles each day.

The new $14.4 million bridge is 665 feet long and 47 feet wide – 65 feet longer and 17 feet wider than the structure it replaces – and has added strength from a fourth span. It has 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders in each direction, allowing it to better accommodate oversized loads.

Going to a Motor Vehicle Division office? You may not have to

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PHOENIX — Want to avoid lines at MVD offices? Chances are good that you can take care of business online instead.

According to data collected by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, 51 percent of the transactions that happen in MVD offices every business day could be done online instead. These range from very common transactions such as renewing a vehicle registration or replacing a driver license/identification card to smaller but still important things such as getting a decal for an off-road vehicle or a customer refund.

“Imagine if the MVD offices had 51 percent fewer transactions to handle,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “That would mean fewer people who need to make a trip to get services that are just a click away on a computer or smartphone, and it would reduce wait times for those who need to do business in the offices.”

Including those listed above, there are many MVD services that can be easily done through ServiceArizona.com, such as address and email changes, ordering a personalized or specialty license plate, voter registration, obtaining a copy of your motor vehicle record, renewing a disability placard, insurance verification, sold notices and many more. For a complete list, please go to ServiceArizona.com.

“People are a lot more comfortable using the web for all kinds of transactions that just weren’t done years ago,” Jorgensen added. “MVD is ahead of the curve online, and we welcome more Arizonans to check out ServiceArizona.com to see if they can get their needs handled there because it’s increasingly likely they can.”

Wildcats, Sun Devils, Lumberjacks sport specialty plates

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narrower_originalPHOENIX — Universities are back in session, football season is underway and school spirit is in the air ‒ and on many vehicle bumpers.

More and more alumni and other fans are showcasing school colors with specialty plates offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. In the process, they’re raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for scholarships.

University specialty plates ‒ red and blue for the University of Arizona, maroon and gold for Arizona State University and blue and white for Northern Arizona University ‒ generated three-quarters of a million dollars for scholarships during the fiscal year that ended June 30. Drivers purchased or renewed about 44,000 of these plates during that time.

Vehicle owners pay $25 annually for specialty plates, with $17 of that amount going to sponsoring charities and nonprofits. Getting one is as easy as visiting ServiceArizona.com.

Melinda Burke, UA Alumni Association president, said the plates are a great way to show Wildcat pride.

“Coupled with that, the purchase of an “A” plate provides scholarship monies for UA students who are Arizona residents, so it is a feel-good way to support the university,” Burke said.

The current UA plate, used since 2012, showcases the school’s signature “A.” Nearly 24,000 UA plates graced bumpers around the state last fiscal year, including the previous design featuring Wilbur the Wildcat.

ASU’s current specialty plate is gold with maroon type and features Sparky the Sun Devil, though some vehicles may have a white plate with a similar design that was sold until 2010. The nearly 18,000 ASU specialty plates purchased or renewed last fiscal year funded Medallion Scholarships for top Arizona high school seniors, according to Tracy Scott, ASU Alumni Association marketing director.

“We’ve seen an increase (in sales) since the plate was redesigned in 2010,” Scott said.

Since 2010, NAU’s specialty plate has featured the school’s snowflake-and-pine logo, but some with the older plate design featuring Louie the Lumberjack are still around. Alumni and fans purchased or renewed about 2,700 of the plates during the last fiscal year.

The dozens of specialty plates available through MVD generated $6.9 million last fiscal year for causes and charities supporting veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and more. That’s a 9 percent increase from the year before.

Grand Canyon University alumni and fans may soon be able to show their support. The Arizona State Legislature earlier this year authorized creating a specialty plate featuring that school.

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

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roadtosuccess-2016_originalPRESCOTT — An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program learn how to bid for projects and contracts.

The Statewide DBE & Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 12 and 13 at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center, will feature workshops, networking opportunities and one-on-one time with experts in areas such as banking, insurance and bonding, marketing and consulting. The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for projects that receive federal funding.

“ADOT recognizes the value that DBEs and small businesses bring to our state, which is why it’s essential to help them learn how to thrive in the transportation industry,” said Dr. Vivien Lattibeaudiere, manager of ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office. “With access to project opportunities, they can become a meaningful part of building the transportation infrastructure in our state.”

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

Businesses interested in attending the conference can register and purchase tickets online at bit.ly/2bWFESY.

For more information on the workshop or ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, contact the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 602-712-7761 or visit adotdbe.com.

Public input essential as South Mountain Freeway moves toward construction

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PHOENIX — Thirteen years of public involvement helped shape plans for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. With the Arizona Department of Transportation preparing to begin construction along the 22-mile corridor, the community can continue providing feedback and seeking information by attending meetings, connecting online and using other resources.

“As with any project, our goals are informing and listening to the public,” said Rob Samour, ADOT senior deputy director of major projects. “The South Mountain Freeway is a critical project for the region, and there are many opportunities for the public to stay engaged as we start construction and look forward to opening the freeway corridor by the end of 2019.”800south-mountain-freeway-graphicBeginning later this month, ADOT will hold three public meetings to provide details and seek input on preliminary design plans:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 27, Desert Vista High School, Multipurpose Room, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
  • Wednesday, Sept. 28, Betty Fairfax High School, Multipurpose Room, 8225 S. 59th Ave., Laveen
  • Thursday, Oct. 6, Fowler Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 6707 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

All meetings are scheduled for 6-8 p.m., with presentations beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The meetings will provide information on the freeway’s location, profile, interchange configurations and noise barrier locations, as well as initial concepts for landscaping and visual appearance. The preliminary design has been updated since it was circulated for public comment along with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 2013.

More public meetings will be held later this year to share final design and construction plans and to provide more information on what to expect during construction.

Construction is set to begin Monday, Sept. 12, with crews widening the shoulders from Pecos Road near 48th Street to the I-10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) interchange. Work will also include the extension of the existing Loop 202 HOV lanes. This initial phase of work will be completed prior to the construction of the mainline freeway, which is scheduled to begin in early 2017.

As part of its commitment to public involvement, ADOT is seeking input from anyone with an interest in the freeway. There are several ways to do so:

  1. Online: azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway
  2. Email: SouthMountainFreewayInfo@c202p.com
  3. Phone: 1.855.SMF.L202 (1.855.763.5202), or para Español, 623.239.4558
  4. The latest project information is available via the project website at azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway, email and text updates (click “Subscribe for Updates” on the project website), the project hotline numbers (1.855.763.5202, or para Español, 623.239.4558) and newspaper advertising.

Extensive public input, including feedback provided by the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team that met from 2001 to 2013, informed the study behind the South Mountain Freeway, including

  • identifying more than 30 alternative alignments.
  • helping determine interchange locations.
  • recommending ways to reduce the right of way required.
  • proposing ways to minimize other impacts.
  • suggesting design options.

During the Draft Environmental Impact Statement phase, ADOT collected and recorded more than 8,000 public, agency and stakeholder comments.

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open by late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. 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.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

No state highway construction closures over Labor Day weekend

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PHOENIX – During Labor Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe, and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through Monday evening.

While no closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place, including on eastbound Interstate 40 about 30 miles east of Kingman.

ADOT is emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays. Along Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, for faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles to decrease travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have an enhanced state trooper presence on highways, targeting impairment and dangerous driving behaviors. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, police officers and deputy sheriffs on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign. The Labor Day Holiday DUI Task Force Campaign involves nine separate task forces statewide and 72 different law enforcement agencies. Last year, 10 people died in 10 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend on Arizona’s state and local roadways.

To encourage smart driving decisions, ADOT’s overhead signs will display current traffic conditions, as well as safety messages.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, motorists traveling during the holiday weekend should:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible
  • Get plenty of rest before driving
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

MVD expands online appointments to include road tests

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Driver license applicants can now fit road tests into their schedules

Driver license applicants can now fit road tests into their schedules

PHOENIX — Taking the road test for a driver license has long involved showing up at an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office early in hopes of getting a time slot to take the test that day. And often plenty of waiting.

That’s changing as of this week. Customers are now able to schedule road tests up to 30 days in advance through ServiceArizona.com for 11 office locations in the Phoenix metro area and northern Arizona. MVD will be bringing remaining offices online over the next two weeks.

The change, part of MVD’s efforts to continuously improve its customer focus, adds to online appointments launched in April for those converting a driver license or ID card to a Voluntary Travel ID.

“This new feature will provide a lot of value to our customers by allowing them to fit the test into their schedule instead of spending half a day at an office waiting to take it,” ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “This is another step forward in achieving MVD’s vision of getting customers out of line and safely on the road.”

To schedule an appointment, visit azdot.gov/roadtestinfo, which has step-by-step instructions for arranging road tests. Customers can fill out and submit a driver license application online, get a list of documents needed to obtain a standard driver license or Voluntary Travel ID and schedule their road tests onServiceArizona.com.

Once at the MVD office, those with appointments can check in at a kiosk rather than waiting in line at the information desk.

Applicants must meet all requirements before taking the road test, including passing the written test. Appointments are only for road tests, not the written portion of the exam.

As part of ADOT’s agencywide commitment to continuous improvement, MVD is experimenting with other ways to reduce wait times, an effort that has led to process improvements that include printing temporary credentials at customer service windows instead of sending customers to a separate line. Customers who need to retake the driving test now go directly to the testing area instead of first waiting in line to re-verify their applications with a representative.

An experiment at MVD’s West Phoenix location has found that having customers line up rather than relying on the number-calling system dramatically reduces wait times, and that innovation is rolling out to other large MVD offices. MVD has also seen positive results in experimenting this summer with expanded office hours in the Tucson area.

“All of the process improvements, like road test appointments, help make MVD more efficient and customer-oriented,” Jorgensen said. “All aspects of MVD are on the table as we continue to experiment and innovate to improve the overall customer experience.”

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

ADOT, Federal Highway Administration prevail in South Mountain Freeway lawsuit

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PHOENIX — Construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway is scheduled to begin in early September after the U.S. District Court in Phoenix dismissed legal challenges and ruled that the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration completed all steps required to move forward.

“This is a momentous day, not only for ADOT but for our many partners – including the city of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration – who helped develop the most extensive environmental review of any highway project to date in Arizona. More importantly, this is a clear victory for the region, which will benefit from a new transportation corridor and, with it, the economic development that will follow,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This east-west alternative will connect people with employment, entertainment and educational centers in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area that are projected to see considerable growth. The ruling today affirms the good work of the entire project team.”

In a ruling released Friday, Aug. 19, the judge found that plaintiffs failed to demonstrate, as claimed, that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration didn’t meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal laws.

“Plaintiffs have not met their burden to show the Agencies’ actions were ‘arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law …’ or ‘without observance of procedure required by law,’” the ruling concludes.

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway will begin in early September at the I-10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) traffic interchange. Crews also will begin relocating native plants along the right of way for transplanting later.

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open by late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. 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.

In February, ADOT finalized the state’s first highway public-private partnership agreement through which the project team, Connect 202 Partners, will build the freeway at a taxpayer savings of more than $100 million and will open it to traffic three years sooner than originally projected.

The fixed $916 million contract for design and construction makes this the largest highway project in state history. The development team will be responsible for 30 years of maintenance following the completion of the project, supporting construction with innovation and built-in cost efficiencies for the long term.

With construction scheduled to begin in early September, ADOT has been conducting preliminary engineering, addressing cultural resources in the right of way, acquiring and preparing properties, and relocating utilities. ADOT received final federal clearance to move forward with the project in 2015.

The South Mountain Freeway will be constructed with four lanes in each direction – three general-use lanes and one HOV lane – and include modern features including rubberized asphalt and aesthetics reflecting the neighboring communities.