Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Dust closes I-10 between US 191 in southeastern Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 10 between US 191 in southeastern Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico, due to blowing dust from a field at milepost 376 near San Simon.

The 62-mile stretch will remain closed until visibility improves in the stretch next to the newly plowed field. With strong wind forecast throughout the day, the closure could continue through early Friday evening.

ADOT has personnel closely monitoring the area in conjunction with DPS and has resources in place to immediately close the highway when visibility becomes an issue for drivers. With strong winds in the forecast, drivers in the area should remember that conditions can quickly change and that dust is difficult to predict.

Eastbound I-10 traffic is being routed onto US 191 north to US 70 east in Safford. Drivers may continue on US 70 into New Mexico and re-enter I-10 at Lordsburg, New Mexico.

With westbound I-10 closed at Lordsburg, New Mexico, drivers may take US 70 to Safford and then US 191 south to I-10.

The detour route is approximately 110 miles.

With strong winds occurring today, motorists should keep in mind that blowing dust is possible even when there isn’t a major storm. Avoid driving into blowing dust, but if you are caught:

· Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
· Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway; do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
· Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
· Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
· Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
· Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the dust to subside.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Northbound lane restriction for I-17 just past Camp Verde interchange begins Sunday night

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Motorists traveling northbound on I-17 through Camp Verde should allow for extra travel time while lane restrictions are in place to accommodate work at the Verde River Bridge (MP 287 – 288) just north of the State Route 260 interchange.

A one-lane restriction for northbound travel will be in place continuously beginning Sunday (May 8) at 7 p.m. and ending Friday (May 20) at 12 noon.

Vehicles wider than 12’ will require to travel via detour to SR 260 via Exit 287 at the Camp Verde Traffic Interchange, to State Route 89A, then continuing to State Route 179 and departing via Exit 298 to continue northbound travel on I-17.

Please observe reduced speed limits and allow for extra travel time while traveling through the work zone.

Surface treatment to begin on SR 98 east of the US 160 Junction

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Arizona Department of Transportation crews will begin applying surface treatment to protect and provide a new driving surface for a 9-mile segment of SR 98 (milepost 340 to 349); east of the US 160 Junction towards Page on Monday (May 9). Work will take place during weekdays during daylight hours, Monday through Friday and is anticipated to be completed near the end of the month.

What to expect:

  •        Traffic will be reduced to one lane during construction
  •        Pilot car escort will allow for alternating travel through the work zone
  •        Anticipate 15 minute delays during lane closures
  •        Work scheduled for Monday – Friday, early morning to sunset

Please allow for extra time for travel in the area. There will be reduced speeds and lane restrictions at various locations during work hours and flaggers will be used to guide vehicles through the work zone.

Through detailed study and public input, need for South Mountain Freeway is clear

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south-mountain-freeway-portalPHOENIX — Rigorous analysis that included extensive public involvement, an overwhelming need for the project and a lack of viable alternatives are among the reasons a federal judge should dismiss lawsuits challenging the South Mountain Freeway, the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration contend in a legal filing.

ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration are scheduled to present oral arguments on May 11 in U.S. District Court in Phoenix as a judge considers motions for summary judgment in the case.

In their motion filed April 25, the agencies note that Maricopa County voters twice approved building the South Mountain Freeway, most recently in 2004 through Proposition 400, which authorized the comprehensive, multimodal Regional Transportation Plan. They note the current and anticipated congestion on freeways and roads in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, especially Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix, and how a new freeway corridor will improve how people and goods get around.

ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration completed a rigorous 13-year analysis, taking into account thousands of formal comments from community members, according to the motion. That includes developing a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement that complies with federal law and follows best practices for transportation projects.

“The need for the South Mountain Freeway is clear, and Valley voters have realized this for more than 30 years. While there is no ‘perfect’ freeway project, ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration have worked to study the likely impacts of this project and designed ways to minimize those impacts, just as we have done for decades throughout the Valley as the freeway system was developed,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “You only need to travel through the Broadway Curve on I-10 during rush hour to see the problem – Phoenix today doesn’t have the highway capacity to meet traffic demand. The South Mountain Freeway will better meet today’s traffic needs, while supporting better mobility in the future.”

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open in late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley, and will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 systems.

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 this summer, ADOT is 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 spring 2015.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

Four-hour closure scheduled Friday night on SR 89 at Hell Canyon, weather permitted

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CHINO VALLEY — As progress continues on the new bridge over Hell Canyon on State Route 89 (milepost 346), approximately 13 miles north of Chino Valley, crews will need to close the road to pour concrete on the bridge deck Friday (May 6) between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Drivers traveling on SR 89 Friday night into Saturday morning need to plan ahead as the road will be closed in both directions. Law enforcement will be on site to assist with the road closure.

As preparations take place leading up to the closure, crews will have SR 89 narrowed to one lane through the work zone from 6 p.m. on Friday night to 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Minimal delays are expected.

The next milestone for the bridge replacement project will be to open the new bridge to two-way traffic in mid-June.

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

ADOT pursues federal grants to advance highway improvements

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PHOENIX — Improving traffic flow and safety on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Helping commerce move on a state route between the border and Interstate 19 in Nogales. Rehabilitating an 850-foot-long bridge along Interstate 15 in northwestern Arizona.

Aiming to move forward sooner on those goals, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking $109.5 million through two highly competitive federal grant programs.

With $800 million available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FASTLANE grant program, established under the 2015 FAST Act, ADOT has applied for $60 million and offered to provide $86.83 million in matching funds to be used in four ways along I-10 between the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas:

• Realigning and widening four miles in the Picacho area to three lanes in each direction while reconstructing the interchange with State Route 87.
• Widening four miles between Earley Road and Interstate 8 to three lanes in each direction while upgrading ramps at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard near Casa Grande.
• Making technology enhancements to improve traffic management and safety, including remote sensors to provide early warning of approaching dust.
• Conducting preliminary engineering and completing an environmental analysis for widening 27 miles of I-10 to three lanes in each direction between the Loop 202 Santan Freeway and approximately SR 387 in Casa Grande. Any plan to widen I-10 through the Gila River Indian Community would require an agreement with the tribal government.

“The impact of Interstate 10 on Arizona’s citizens and economy is huge. Improvements to this vital link between Phoenix and Tucson are critical to our quality of life,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Each element of the FASTLANE grant proposal will advance these efforts to continue improving I-10 and significantly benefit motorists and the flow of commerce.”

Meanwhile, ADOT has submitted Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant proposals for two projects:

• $25 million, with a proposed $39 million state match, to improve the 3.75-mile State Route 189 (Mariposa Road) in Nogales. Proposed upgrades to the route, which connects the Mariposa Port of Entry with Interstate 19 and Interstate Business 19/Grand Avenue, include a raised median and improving ramps connecting with I-19.
• $24.5 million, with a proposed $10.5 million state match, to rehabilitate Virgin River Bridge No. 1 on Interstate 15. Built in 1964 and located just east of Littlefield in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, the bridge has never undergone a major rehabilitation.

Both TIGER grant projects and the two I-10 construction projects in the FASTLANE grant are already part of ADOT’s plans, both through its current construction program and the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program that’s receiving public input and awaiting a vote by the State Transportation Board.

For Virgin River Bridge No. 1, $33 million in construction funding is programmed for fiscal 2019. For SR 189, ADOT has recommended $64 million in fiscal 2021 for construction. For the I-10 projects, ADOT has recommended $85 million in fiscal 2018 for the Picacho area and $40 million in fiscal 2019 for Earley Road to I-8.

Winning grants would allow these projects to move forward faster and enable ADOT to redirect money toward other pressing needs.

“There are no guarantees when it comes to competitive grants, but success pays big dividends for Arizona,” Halikowski said.

Since 2012, ADOT has received a total of $43.6 million through 15 competitive grants, most of them administered by U.S. DOT. Much of that amount comes from TIGER grants for a planned railroad overpass on State Route 347 in Maricopa and the ongoing reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 on I-15.

There will be plenty of competition from other states for FASTLANE and TIGER grants. For fiscal 2015, when ADOT won a $15 million grant toward the SR 347 project, U.S. DOT received 627 eligible applications worth $10.1 billion for the $500 million available. About $500 million is available in the current round of TIGER grants.

U.S. DOT is expected to announce awards from both grant programs later this year.

Adopt a Highway volunteers create a more attractive Arizona for all

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Adopt-Highway-16-03-28PHOENIX — With National Volunteer Week underway, how about helping save Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars a year and keeping our highways free of litter?

The 11,000 volunteers with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program removed 67 tons of roadside litter last year. And there’s always room for more to join in.

“Thanks to all of the dedicated individuals who participate in Adopt a Highway volunteer programs throughout Arizona and perform such a valuable service for everyone in this state,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Beyond the obvious benefits, keeping roadsides attractive creates a positive impression when visitors travel our highways.”

Becoming an ADOT Adopt a Highway volunteer starts with visiting azdot.gov/adoptahighway and completing an application.
Requirements include:

• Adopting a minimum of two miles of highway.
• Cleaning that segment of highway no less than twice a year for two years.
• Watching ADOT’s safety video before the first cleanup.
• Always wearing safety vests required by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Contacting ADOT before conducting cleanups.

ADOT recommends developing and maintaining a group of six to 10 people per two-mile highway segment. Once a group is approved, the permit holder schedules the date and time of each cleanup with an ADOT contact who will provide trash bags.

To honor her mother, Cecilia Cornejo and members of her family have tended to a stretch of State Route 80 in southern Arizona for the past 10 years. She calls Adopt a Highway a way to make a difference.

“This is an opportunity to keep an area close to where we grew up beautiful,” Cornejo said.

There’s also an Adopt a Highway sponsor program through which businesses may contract with maintenance providers to clean up roadside litter. Information is available at azdot.gov/adoptahighway.

Keep safety in mind with wind and possible snow in forecast

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Snow20160415_174946PHOENIX — With the weekend forecast calling for gusty winds along with the possibility of snow in higher elevations, motorists should be on alert for adverse weather including blowing dust and limited visibility, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Even though monsoon season hasn’t started, blowing dust is possible throughout the year. ADOT’s safety tips for blowing dust, available at PullAsideStayAlive.org, include:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
• If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle and begin slowing down.
• Pull off the roadway as soon as possible; don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to do so safely.
• Completely exit the highway if possible, away from where other vehicles may travel; don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including emergency flashers.
• Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Along with wind gusts and dust, drivers may encounter snow and icy roads in the high country, especially above 6,500 feet from Flagstaff through the Mogollon Rim. Motorists in these areas should leave prepared for winter conditions and pack an emergency road kit, including essential items such as a fully charged cellphone, food and water, and warmer clothes. For more winter driving tips, visitazdot.gov/KnowSnow.

For the most current information about highway conditions, closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is another excellent resource.

Final paving scheduled on US 93 north of Wickenburg

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Drivers traveling on US 93 north of Wickenburg (mileposts 185 to 190) should allow extra travel time for next week starting Monday (April 18) through Thursday (April 21) as crews prepare for final paving on the project.

Crews will pave the northbound lanes on Monday and Tuesday (April 18 and 19) and the southbound lanes on Wednesday and Thursday (April 20 and 21).

Delays of up to 20 minutes during work hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. are expected.

ADOT began this expansion project in February to widen US 93 between State Route 71 and State Route 89 which included the reconstruction of the highway into four lanes. This work will complete the widening project.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations, and to proceed through the work zone with caution and comply with the reduced speed limit.

Intermittent northbound I-17 closures start April 17 for overnight work near McGuireville

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PHOENIX — A project to reduce the potential for rockfall in a quarter-mile section of northbound Interstate 17 between Camp Verde and Flagstaff will require closures of up to 30 minutes overnight starting Sunday, April 17, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drivers using this route between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. should plan ahead and budget extra time on the following dates, when intermittent closures will occur northbound near milepost 292 approaching McGuireville:

• Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 17, and ending at 6 a.m. Friday, April 22.
• Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 24, and ending at 6 a.m. Friday, April 29.

The project area is between Middle Verde Road (Exit 289) and the Rimrock/Lake Montezuma/Cornville exit at milepost 293.

Southbound I-17 traffic will be unaffected.

The project will remove rockfall debris and scale slopes to reduce the potential for rock to fall, among other work.

From April 17 through April 29, northbound oversize loads wider than 12 feet will be required to detour around the project area between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The detour for oversize loads is State Route 260 to Cottonwood, State Route 89A to Sedona and State Route 179 to I-17.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information System at az511.gov or call 511.