Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Closure of Bell Road near Grand Avenue starts this weekend

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PHOENIX — A section of Bell Road near Grand Avenue (US 60) in Surprise will be closed for six to eight months starting Friday night for faster construction of a bridge that will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

When it opens later this year, the new Bell Road overpass will allow drivers to travel over US 60 and the BNSF Railway tracks and connect with US 60 via new ramps.

The closure of Bell Road between West Point Parkway and 134th Drive starts at 10 p.m. Friday. While the closure is in place, Bell Road traffic will be directed to a primary detour route along Dysart, Greenway and Litchfield roads.

The overpass construction is part of an ongoing $41.9 million project to significantly enhance connections between the two roadways. Access to local businesses located closest to the Bell-Grand intersection will be maintained while construction is underway.

The full closure of Bell Road, timed to start with the end of the Cactus League season at Surprise Stadium, will shorten construction by several months. ADOT’s accelerated schedule means Bell Road will be reopened in time for the holiday shopping season in November.

Initial project work, which started in January, has focused on Grand Avenue. Grand Avenue will remain open to traffic at most times while Bell Road is closed. Any necessary closures of Grand Avenue are currently planned at night or on weekends.

When the new interchange is completed, on- and off-ramps located along the center median of Grand Avenue will connect with the Bell Road overpass. The entire 14-month project is due for completion by spring 2017.

ADOT and the prime contractor on the project, Coffman Specialties Inc., have been working with the city of Surprise and other local organizations on public outreach and traffic-access plans in support of local businesses located in the area of the Bell Road closure.

Additional law enforcement officers will patrol the area while the Bell Road closure is in place. Drivers are urged to obey traffic signage as well as posted speed limits.

The US 60 (Grand Avenue) and Bell Road Interchange project is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004. Funding sources include a county half-cent sales tax for transportation projects and the MAG region’s share of federal highway funds.

State Route 89A improvement project beginning soon

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FLAGSTAFF — Contractor crews began surveying on SR 89A today (March 23) in preparation for improvements to SR 89A between the Vista Point Overlook and the JW Powell Boulevard intersection (PDF).

The Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with ADOT and the United States Forest Service, will widen and rehabilitate SR 89A in the project area, increasing shoulder width, adding new passing lanes and enhancing clear zones to improve safety and traffic operations.

Access through SR 89A will not be restricted during surveying, however drivers are asked to slow down and watch for workers in the area. Project-related traffic restrictions may be anticipated later in the Spring and Summer months as construction progresses. Please stay tuned for future updates on the SR 89A widening project.

ADOT, Phoenix open SR 51 ramps at Black Mountain Boulevard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has opened elevated ramps connecting State Route 51 at the Loop 101 Pima Freeway with Black Mountain Boulevard, improving access in the Desert Ridge area.

A roundabout serves as a transition to slow traffic to and from the freeway, and a pedestrian bridge has been added over Black Mountain Boulevard near Pinnacle High School.

ADOT and Phoenix partnered on the $17.8 million ramps project, with ADOT managing construction that began in June 2015. A separate project, also managed by ADOT on behalf of the city, included improvements to Black Mountain Boulevard north to Pinnacle Peak Road.

“Our goal has been to deliver a project that helps the city with its transportation plans for the Desert Ridge area and beyond,” said ADOT Assistant Director Steve Boschen, who leads the agency’s Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division. “The ramps provide local drivers with direct access to State Route 51.”

“As the city continues to develop in the north, better transportation options are needed to meet the needs of a growing city,” said Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who chairs the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “The new ramps will provide options for a rapidly growing area.”

At the roundabout, along Black Mountain Boulevard south of the high school, signs direct drivers to slow to 20 mph. Motorists also should be prepared to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

While helping high school students cross Black Mountain Boulevard, the pedestrian bridge is part of the Reach 11 trail within a 1,500-acre recreation area popular with hikers and bicyclists.

The connections between State Route 51 and Black Mountain Boulevard have been part of Phoenix’s plans for the Desert Ridge region for several years. The project was funded as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004.

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 the next two weeks starting Monday (March 21) through Thursday (March 31) as crews prepare for final paving on the project.

Traffic will be guided through the work zone by pilot cars and minimal delays are expected between 4:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday each week. Speed will be reduced through the work zone.

As part of the final paving, crews will mill some of the existing pavement on the northbound lanes and drivers will be on rough road conditions until final paving is complete.

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.

Pavement work scheduled on US 60 in Wickenburg for next two weeks

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This week, crews will be sealing cracks in the pavement on US 60 during the day (mileposts 111-113) through Thursday (March 17) between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Drivers can expect minimal delays through the work zone.

Starting Sunday (March 20), crews will seal cracks in the pavement in the same area, but will do the work overnight to minimize impacts to traffic and business access. Work hours at night will be 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday morning (March 23).

Motorists should expect some delays and should allow extra time to reach their destinations.

Transcon Lane South of Interstate 40 (Winslow) to undergo improvements beginning tomorrow

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is administering improvements on behalf of the City of Winslow to Transcon Lane between Interstate 40 and the travel plaza (truck stop) beginning Wednesday morning. Construction will occur during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. No weekend or holiday construction is anticipated; however traffic restrictions will be in place continuously until project completion late July, 2016.

Travel through Transcon Lane and access to the travel plaza will be available at all times.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, obey posted speed limits and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT signs to remind drivers about $400 HOV-lane violations

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hovviolationsign1loop202redmtnadotphotomarch2016PHOENIX — Drivers along Phoenix-area freeways can expect to see an additional reminder about the cost of being caught cheating in high occupancy vehicle lanes during weekday rush hours.

Over the next year, the Arizona Department of Transportation will add more than 250 signs that say “HOV Violation $400 Minimum” along Valley freeways with HOV lanes.

The new signs will join existing ones listing the weekday rush hours when HOV rules apply: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. During those periods, access to HOV lanes is limited to vehicles with two or more people aboard or displaying Arizona’s “Blue Sky” license plates. Motorcycles and buses are among other vehicles allowed to use HOV lanes during rush hours.

“These signs will remind drivers that violating the HOV-lane law is costly,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Fines, court costs and the inconvenience of dealing with the traffic ticket are just not worth it.”

The first of the new “HOV $400 Violation” signs have been installed along a 20-mile stretch of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 and Broadway Road in Mesa. Carpool lanes along that freeway recently were extended between Gilbert and Broadway roads as part of a widening project that is nearing completion.

“We all pay when drivers drive in the HOV lane alone,” said Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead. “Even the best excuse is no excuse.”

There are more than 190 miles of HOV lanes along Phoenix-area freeways.

The new signs will continue to be installed in stages over the next year as part of sign-maintenance projects. ADOT expects to install them as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 by this summer.

ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: Public comment begins next week

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PHOENIX – Beginning next week, Arizonans will be able to provide input on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual update of projects proposed to move forward in the next five years and how much local, state and federal funding should go toward those projects.

In its Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for 2017-2021, ADOT was able to recommend a few more projects for Greater Arizona because of additional funding through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, as well as a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. These projects otherwise would have remained in ADOT’s Development Program for projects deemed six to 10 years out.

After the public comment period, which includes public hearings in Oro Valley (March 18), Phoenix (April 15) and Flagstaff (May 20), the State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

Among ADOT’s suggestions to move forward on a quicker timeline are two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho Peak and Earley Road to Interstate 8), two widening projects along US 93 and the State Route 347 railroad overpass project in the city of Maricopa. The SR 347 project received a $15 million TIGER grant and a $15 million local contribution to add to ADOT’s $19 million commitment.

“Increased funding opportunities, particularly through the FAST Act, have allowed ADOT to propose accelerating some expansion projects in Greater Arizona that, once complete, will enhance key freight corridors for the movement of commerce,” said Michael Kies, director of ADOT’s Multimodal Planning Division. “Some of these projects are also critical to the overall implementation of the future Interstate 11, which will open the door to greater economic opportunities and competitiveness for our state.”

Facing growing statewide needs and limited transportation funding from traditional sources, ADOT remains committed to preserving the existing state highway system, which is valued at more than $20 billion. ADOT’s proposal meets its goal of $260 million per year dedicated to preservation work, such as bridges in need of upgrades and pavement in need of repair.

The 2017-2021 Tentative Program will be available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey atsurveymonkey.com/r/CJY36HY, email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 1-855-712-8530. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 30.

Here are details for the three public hearings and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting:

March 18 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting at the Oro Valley Town Hall Complex, 11000 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley.

April 15 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

May 20 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

June 17 at 9 a.m.: Board meeting in the City of Holbrook Council Chambers, 465 First Ave, Holbrook.

Improvements to I-40 Canyon Diablo bridges east of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The $1.4 million Arizona Department of Transportation project began earlier this month. Crews will maintain a single-lane on eastbound I-40 across the bridge through fall of 2016. Westbound I-40 also will utilize one lane intermittently throughout the project while the westbound bridge surface is being improved. Access across the bridge will be maintained at all times, with loads restricted to a 12’ maximum width for the duration of the project.

Crews will generally work weekdays during daylight hours, though occasional night and weekend work may be required.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, obey posted speed limits and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that 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 Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Delays expected at Queen Creek Tunnel on US 60 March 9 and 10

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will be setting up concrete barriers in Queen Creek Tunnel on US 60 at milepost 228 starting Wednesday night, March 9, in preparation for the installation of new lighting in the tunnel.

The speed limit will be reduced, barricades and concrete barrier wall will be installed and lanes will be narrowed. Officers will be present during these restrictions to strictly enforce all traffic laws. Due to the limited work area within the tunnel it is imperative all motorists obey the traffic control changes for the workers’ safety.

Work is scheduled from 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 to 4 a.m. Thursday, March 10.

Drivers are asked to use caution, expect lane closures, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur.

For more information about this project, please call Julian Avila at 602 320-7263, or email javila@azdot.gov