Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

New bridge at Hell Canyon on SR 89 opens Thursday night

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The new bridge at Hell Canyon on State Route 89 at milepost 345 will open to traffic on Thursday (June 23) by midnight. Minimal impacts are expected.

For the past year, crews have been working on a new $14.4 million improvement project which included the construction a new four-span steel-plate girder bridge to the east of the existing bridge. The removal of the existing three-span steel deck truss bridge is expected to occur in mid-July.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

State Transportation Board approves 2017-2021 Five-Year Construction Program

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation’s five-year construction program for state highways promotes commerce through investments in major freight and travel corridors, supports Greater Arizona through key projects and highlights the agency’s commitment to not only maintaining but improving the quality of pavement, bridges and other infrastructure.

Meeting Friday in Holbrook, the State Transportation Board voted to adopt the agency’s 2017-2021 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which determines projects in Greater Arizona, the Maricopa County region and the Pima County region that will receive funding during the period.

“Major freight corridors that connect Arizona to Mexico and large neighboring U.S. markets will benefit from key expansion projects in this Five-Year Program,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Improvement projects along some of Arizona’s busiest corridors will not only provide better mobility but help enhance trade, commerce and economic development. Meanwhile, we are protecting Arizona’s $20 billion investment in highways and answering Governor Doug Ducey’s call to continuously improve our value to this state.”

Because of additional funding available through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, ADOT will be able to move forward on a quicker timeline with four major projects that will improve key commerce corridors: widening Interstate 10 in Pinal County from State Route 87 to Picacho and from Earley Road to Interstate 8, and widening two stretches of US 93 between Wickenburg and Interstate 40.

Once the two I-10 projects are complete, ADOT will have reached its goal of widening the entire stretch of I-10 between Casa Grande and Tucson to a six-lane divided highway.

Other projects programmed for funding include improving State Route 189 in Nogales to enhance the flow of commerce between the port of entry and Interstate 19.

A long-sought railroad overpass on State Route 347 in Maricopa will move forward thanks to a $15 million federal TIGER grant and $15 million local contribution in addition to ADOT’s $19 million commitment.

Facing growing needs and limited transportation funding from traditional sources, ADOT remains committed to preserving the existing state highway system. The program approved Friday meets the agency’s goal of $260 million per year dedicated to preservation.

That funding supports two of ADOT’s key performance indicators under Governor Ducey’s call for continuous improvement among state agencies:

  • Bridges: ADOT strives to keep the percentage of highway bridges rated in good or fair condition at 95 percent or more.
  • Pavement: ADOT aims to increase interstate highway rated in good condition from 73 percent to 80 percent as measured by smoothness.

The State Transportation Board’s approval of the Five-Year Program, which is updated annually, followed a call for public comment in March and three public hearings. In general, projects begin as part of the agency’s long-range visioning process, move into a 20-year plan and a six- to 10-year development program and then become part of the Five-Year Program, which is developed by working closely with local planning organizations and community leaders to identify projects that are ready to build or design.

Funding for the Five-Year Program is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place.

The following is a list of major projects for Greater Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) region and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) region during the 2017-2021 Five-Year Program. This list provides an overview and does not include all projects in the Five-Year Program. The 2017-2021 Five-Year Program will be published next week at azdot.gov.

Greater Arizona

  • State Route 189, Nogales to Interstate 19: Total project cost is estimated at $70 million. ADOT is moving forward with these improvements along SR 189 to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico at the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest land ports in the United States.
  • State Route 347 Railroad Overpass: This project will alleviate traffic backups at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing in Maricopa by replacing the existing at-grade intersection with an overpass on SR 347. The SR 347 project received a $15 million federal TIGER grant and a $15 million local contribution to add to ADOT’s $19 million commitment to construct the project starting in FY 2017.
  • Interstate 10: State Route 87 to Picacho: This $85 million project to start in FY 2018 will widen the highway to three lanes in each direction and improve traffic interchanges.
  • Interstate 10: Earley Road to Interstate 8: This $40 million project in FY 2019 will widen the highway to three lanes in each direction and improve traffic interchanges south of Casa Grande.
  • US 93: “The Gap” Tegner Drive to State Route 89: This project, which will widen a three-mile stretch of US 93 near Wickenburg to a four-lane divided highway, will be funded in phases.
  • State Route 89: State Route 89A to Deep Well Ranch Road: $15 million allocated in FY 2017 for a corridor widening project that will improve capacity, operations and safety near Prescott. The roadway will be widened from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway.
  • US 60: Show Low to 40th Street: $7 million allocated in FY 2017 to add turn lanes, widen the roadway and improve intersections.
  • US 93: Carrow to Stephens: $35.5 million allocated in FY 2021 to widen this three-mile section of US 93 north of Wikieup. This project is part of ADOT’s commitment to convert all of US 93 to a modern, four-lane divided highway.

Pima County region

  • Interstate 10: Ina Road traffic interchange: $93 million allocated from FY 2017 to FY 2018 to fully reconstruct the Ina Road traffic interchange in Tucson. Interstate 10 currently passes over Ina Road, and with this project Ina Road will be elevated and pass over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad. The existing frontage roads and ramps will also be reconstructed.
  • Interstate 10: Houghton Road traffic interchange: A total of $46 million is allocated in FY 2017, FY 2020 and FY 2021 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 10: Ruthrauff Road traffic interchange: $106 million allocated from FY 2017 to FY 2020 for this reconstruction project.
  • Interstate 10: Country Club Road traffic interchange: $21 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 19: Ajo Way traffic interchange: $30 million allocated from FY 2018 to FY 2019 for Phase II of this reconstruction project.

Maricopa County region

  • Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway: $973 million allocated from FY 2017 to FY 2019 for construction of the 22-mile-long freeway scheduled to begin later this year.
  • Interstate 10: 32nd Street near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in Chandler: $324 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for widening and other improvements. This project includes improvements at the Broadway Curve to help traffic flow more efficiently.
  • Interstate 10: Loop 202 Santan to Riggs Road: $74 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for the construction of a general purpose lane and an HOV lane in each direction within this six-mile stretch.
  • Loop 101 Pima Freeway: State Route 51 to Princess Drive: $61 million allocated in FY 2021 for the construction of a general purpose lane in each direction within a six-mile stretch.
  • Loop 101 Pima Freeway: Princess Drive to Shea Boulevard: $53 million allocated in FY 2021 for the construction of a general purpose lane in each direction within a six-mile stretch.

Work on US 60 passing lane near Superior to continue through summer

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ADOT Photo

ADOT Photo

PHOENIX — Steep, rugged terrain and high winds have added challenges for crews working to create room for an additional lane on US 60 between Globe and Superior. Because of that, the project will continue through the summer, including twice-weekly closures for blasting work.

Crews have about 25,000 cubic yards of rocks and dirt – about 2,000 truckloads – to remove to complete the project between mileposts 227 east of Superior to milepost 235 west of Miami. In addition to creating a passing lane, the Arizona Department of Transportation project is widening the shoulders in Devil’s Canyon (mileposts 233-234), making improvements to the bridge at Waterfall Canyon (milepost 229) and improving drainage (milepost 242) west of Miami.

Drivers who rely on US 60 should continue to plan ahead for closures from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be no blasting-related closures in the area on June 30 or July 5 to accommodate holiday traffic.

After crews blast away rock in one area to make room for the climbing lane, they must maneuver heavy equipment up steep, narrow roads to prepare for the next blast. This spring, two periods of “red flag” conditions – high winds and low humidity that increase the danger of sparking a fire – have delayed work for about two weeks.

During the closures, drivers should consider taking state routes 77 and 177 between Superior and Globe, a route of about 68 miles. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260.

Meanwhile, US 60 will be restricted to one lane through the work zone from 9 p.m. Sunday, June 19, to 4 a.m. Monday, June 20, and also from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 20. A pilot car will lead vehicles the work zone, and motorists should budget extra travel time.

Drivers should use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time.

For more information on this project, please visit azdot.gov/us60oakflat.

Pavement resurfacing begins Monday on US 60 and US 180 in eastern Arizona

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Drivers traveling on US 60 and US 180 in eastern Arizona should expect delays for the next two weeks as Arizona Department of Transportation crews resurface the road.

Expect delays on US 60 between mileposts 385-388 in Springerville and US 180 between mileposts 427-429 in Alpine as crews resurface the roadway.

Work will begin Monday (June 20), and continue weekdays until June 30. Work is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

One lane will be closed for the work at each location. Flaggers will help traffic alternate to get by the work sites.

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

Improvements continue on I-40 east of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation continues with improvements on a section of Interstate 40 between Walnut Canyon and Twin Arrows roads (MP 204 to MP 218), approximately six miles east of Flagstaff beginning Monday (June 20) and continuing weekly Monday through Thursday during daylight hours until late August. Some Friday work may be needed.

Single lane closures can be anticipated within the project area to accommodate construction. Please observe reduced speed limits and allow for extra time for travel through the work zone.

A.R.S. 28-710 provides for increase fines for speeding through a highway construction zone.

Shoulder widening project underway on SR 64 near Grand Canyon Airport and Town of Tusayan

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is performing a shoulder widening project along State Route 64 (SR 64) near the town of Tusayan in Coconino County beginning at the Grand Canyon National Airport access road (milepost 234 to 235), skipping the town of Tusayan, and ending just south of the southern boundary of the Grand Canyon National Park (milepost 237).

This project is part of ADOT’s Statewide Shoulder Widening Program and will improve lane departures for motorists on SR 64.

What to expect:

  • Work to be performed during daylight hours, Monday – Thursday; Fridays as needed
  • No nighttime, weekend or holiday work is anticipated
  • Construction is anticipated to be completed fall, 2016
  • Access for both north- and southbound travel will be accommodated

During construction lane closures can be expected to accommodate crews and equipment. Traffic control will be primarily lane shifts that will allow for north- and southbound travel with minimal delays. Delays can be anticipated; please allow for extra time for travel in the construction zone.

For more information please visit the project website at:
www.azdot.gov/sr64shoulderwidening.

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

ADEQ Announces Reduced Vehicle Emissions Test Fees for Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area Motorists

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced yesterday motorists whose vehicles are registered in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, including Maricopa County and portions of Pinal and Yavapai Counties, known as “Area A,” will save $3.00 per vehicle for emissions testing fees, effective July 1, 2016.

ADEQ estimates that these fee reductions, representing approximately 1.2 million tests, will save vehicle owners about $3.7 million annually. All “Area A” vehicle emissions inspection fees will be reduced by $3.00.

“ADEQ continuously looks for ways to improve its vehicle emissions testing program,” said ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Timothy Franquist. “The State legislature’s passage of House Bill 2702 will reduce fees and more equitably cover ADEQ program costs.”

Beginning in 2014, ADEQ voluntarily lowered vehicle emissions inspection fees by more than 25 percent for more than one million tests in the Phoenix metropolitan area, which resulted in a savings to vehicle owners of about $8.2 million.

ADEQ supports a stepwise approach to reducing vehicle emissions testing fees as a prudent approach to balancing fees with service costs. The approach ensures program resource needs are met and minimizes reversing fee reductions at a later date.

ADEQ also instituted a Gas Cap Distribution Program in Maricopa and Pima counties, which provides vehicle owners with a new gas cap, free of charge, if their gas cap fails emissions inspection. This eliminates the need for the owner to leave, buy a new gas cap and return to retest, and immediately eliminates the release of gasoline vapors into the environment. If the testing station doesn’t have the gas cap size needed, motorists are offered a $5 prepaid card to help cover the cost of a new cap. Since its inception in 2014, ADEQ and its contractor have provided more than 91,000 gas caps and prepaid cards to Arizona motorists.

ADEQ is committed to better, faster, cheaper services by providing more service for less cost to customers applying Lean principles of continuous improvement and elimination of waste.

Please visit the following online resources for more information about ADEQ and vehicle emissions inspection and testing:

ADEQ

http://www.azdeq.gov/

ADEQ Vehicle Emissions Inspection

http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/vehicle-emissions-inspection-vei

myAZcar.com

http://www.myazcar.com/

Film production on Loop 303 to continue through early Saturday

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PHOENIX — Loop 303 will remain closed west of Interstate 17 through 3 a.m. Saturday as production of a motion picture continues.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is allowing Paramount Pictures additional time to film “Transformers 5: The Last Knight” between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway in the north Valley. Traffic through this area is detouring east- and westbound on State Route 74.

While Loop 303 is closed between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway:

• I-17 drivers can use westbound SR 74 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway to reach westbound/southbound Loop 303.
• Eastbound Loop 303 drivers can exit at Lake Pleasant Parkway and travel north to eastbound SR 74 to connect with I-17.

The production has had 300 people at locations in Arizona for nearly three weeks, boosting the economy through meals, lodging, fuel purchases and more. It has hired local companies for a variety of services, including equipment rental, transportation and construction.

ADOT regularly issues permits at no cost to film within highway right of way. The agency’s requirements for film permits safeguard taxpayer dollars and the taxpayers’ investment in state highways. This includes making sure there is no cost to the state.

Arizona Highways goes wild: New wildlife guidebook now available

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800wildlifeguide-blog-gilawoodpckr_original PHOENIX — As Arizona’s summer travel season begins, residents and visitors will take to the outdoors and, with a little research and a keen eye, catch glimpses of the wildlife that calls this state home.

Arizona Highways Wildlife Guide, available now at ArizonaHighways.com, documents 125 native species in full-color photography with informative descriptions. The guide features Arizona’s most frequently viewed mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish, all shown through photographs from Arizona Highways contributors. It’s a resource for any outdoor enthusiast who spends time hiking, fishing, camping and exploring Arizona’s natural beauty.

The wildlife guide is authored by Brooke Bessesen, an Arizona-based naturalist who travels worldwide to study animals in their habitats.

It will be available at Costco, Barnes & Noble, Changing Hands Bookstore and Amazon.com on June 30.

Published since 1925, Arizona Highways magazine has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, and is regarded around the world as the leading authority on Arizona travel. In addition to the wildlife guidebook, Arizona Highways publishes guidebooks on hiking, camping, fishing and photography, along with a number of coffee table books. Arizona Highways magazine is a publication of the Arizona Department of Transportation.

For more information on Arizona Highways magazine, or to purchase a subscription or a book, visit ArizonaHighways.com.

Two road workers hit and killed this month on state highways

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worker-safety-sign_originalPHOENIX — In the past 10 days, two people working on state highways have been hit and killed by vehicles. These unnecessary and avoidable tragedies illustrate the need for drivers to pay attention in work zones and to give a safe margin of space to vehicles with flashing lights, such as tow trucks and emergency responders.

To remind drivers of the importance of paying attention to their surroundings, ADOT will display the following message this week on overhead signs statewide:

2 ROAD WORKERS
KILLED THIS MONTH
DRIVE ALERT

When traveling in work zones, drivers should expect the unexpected, as normal speed limits may be reduced and people may be working in the road. They also should slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and pay attention. Minimizing distractions could save a life.

Not only is it a safe practice to give space to emergency response vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles, it’s also the law. Arizona’s “Move Over” law requires motorists to move over one lane – or slow down if it is not safe to change lanes – when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of the roadway.

Early Monday morning, a passenger car struck and killed an employee of a contractor working on an ADOT project as he removed barricades from Loop 101 Pima Freeway in Scottsdale. Earlier this month, a box truck hit and killed a tow company driver responding to a stalled vehicle on Interstate 10 near Benson.