Category Archives: Department of Transportation

Overnight work on I-17 south of Camp Verde scheduled tonight

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CAMP VERDE – The Arizona Department of Transportation will move concrete barrier on southbound Interstate 17 tonight, April 17 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. south of Camp Verde as part of the climbing lane project. 

 

Southbound drivers can expect a single lane restriction and northbound traffic will be guided through the project work zone with flaggers and a pilot car. 

 

Starting Monday, April 21 crews will begin the milling and paving work on I-17 through the project.  For the next two weeks, overnight work will require a single lane restriction in both directions and drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel times to reach their destination.     

 

Work hours are from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and drivers can expect minimal delays. 

 

During construction, bicyclists are not permitted through the project work zone as the shoulders along I-17 are closed.   

 

This project is expected to be complete by the summer 2014. 

 

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, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. 

 

For more information, email projects@azdot.gov or call the ADOT project information line at 1.855.712.8530. 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 511.

Concrete barrier set this week on SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will place temporary concrete barrier at night tomorrow and Wednesday, April 15 and 16, on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley to allow crews to safely work on the widening project.

The work will take place over two nights between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Drivers can expect minimal delays during work hours.

ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Shoulder work on SR 87 north of Strawberry through April

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Arizona Department of Transportation crews will be mowing the shoulder on State Route 87 in both directions on a 12-mile segment (mileposts 278 to 290) north of Strawberry through Thursday, May 1.

During work hours each day, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic will be restricted to one lane through the work zone. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct traffic in alternating directions using the single lane that is open. Delays of up to 10 minutes at a time are possible.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, 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.

ADOT seeks input on five-year transportation plan on May 9 in Flagstaff.

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments on the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program while reaching out to the public and communities statewide for their input on the direction of the program over the next five years.

The third in the series of public hearings will be held in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system to keep it in good repair, while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program; however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion; this is the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:

  • Greater Arizona: $1.8 billion over five years (60 percent for preservation, 11 percent for expansion and 29 percent for modernization)
  • Maricopa County region: $1.7 billion over five years
  • Pima County region: $349 million over five years Aviation: $1.1 billion over five years

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at fiveyearprogram@azdot.gov.

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. The first public hearing was held in March in Phoenix. The third and final public hearing will be held on May 9 in Flagstaff.

The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox at the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive.

Pavement work scheduled on State Route 89 on White Spar Road

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Delays of up to 15 minutes expected for the next two weeks

Crews will begin milling the asphalt on State Route 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott starting on Thursday, April 10, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Over the next two weeks drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Once the asphalt has been removed, crews will need time to build the road up in areas along the project and as a result, the existing roadway will be a dirt surface until the road is ready for pavement.

The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage.

ADOT selects preconstruction contractor for emergency repairs on US 89

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Contractor that completed US 89T will work on landslide repair

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation cleared another hurdle this week in its effort to get the US 89 landslide repair started. ADOT has finalized an agreement with a contractor for preconstruction engineering services, which includes assistance with the final design and construction logistics for the ultimate fix.

Tempe-based FNF Construction, Inc. was selected by ADOT as the contractor for pre-construction services on the landslide-damaged highway that links Bitter Springs and Page.

FNF Construction is the same contractor ADOT successfully partnered with to complete the Temporary US 89 (US 89T) project, which now serves as the primary detour to and from the Page and Lake Powell areas. The previously unpaved Navajo Route 20 was paved in only three months to become US 89T, which opened to traffic in August.

Through a Construction-Manager-At-Risk contract, FNF Construction will work with the project design team. This early collaboration can lead to completing projects faster with reduced costs. Preconstruction services will also include the design of access roads at the project site that will be needed when construction starts as anticipated this summer.

“Every day, ADOT is getting closer to our goal of starting the US 89 landslide repair to reopen this roadway by the end of the year,” said Steve Boschen, ADOT deputy state engineer for design. “Using the Construction-Manager-At-Risk delivery method will ensure that we can optimize construction efficiency.”

The new preconstruction agreement with FNF Construction does not include the construction project to repair US 89. That contract is expected to be finalized later this spring.

The environmental and design process for a normal project can take two years to complete, but ADOT has been working with the Federal Highway Administration, Navajo Nation, Navajo Division of Transportation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to expedite the environmental, utility and right-of-way clearance and approval processes, knowing the lack of a usable road between the Bitter Springs and Page communities is a hardship for many people.

Recently, ADOT received the necessary environmental and utility clearances on the ultimate repair of US 89. Without the clearances, ADOT cannot use federal funds for this repair project.

ADOT also continues to work with the Navajo Nation on obtaining the new right-of-way easements that will be necessary prior to construction. An agreement between the Federal Highway Administration, Navajo Nation and Bureau of Indian Affairs must be reached to establish an expanded easement that facilitates construction, as well as operations and maintenance, of the repaired roadway.

The repair is currently programmed at $25 million. The project will include moving the roadway approximately 60 feet toward Echo Cliffs and using that rock to construct a downslope buttress to stabilize the area.

Night work this week on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley

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Barrier and restriping work between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. tonight through Thursday night

The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun placing temporary concrete barrier and restriping the roadway for the widening project on State Route 89 between Chino Valley and Prescott.

The work will take place over three nights between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting tonight through Thursday, March 27. Drivers can expect minimal delays during work hours.

In addition to this night work, the project’s regularly scheduled work hours are Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT preparing to open roads to lakes in White Mountains for summer season

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State Route 260. ADOT Photo

State Route 260. ADOT Photo

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation will reopen several roads in the White Mountains, which are closed annually for the winter season. The roads will open early, this year, because of the dry winter season.

ADOT will start clearing leftover snow drifts, downed trees and conduct road repair which may affect traffic before opening the roads beginning Wenesday April 16.

Although the safety of all motorists is a top priority for ADOT before allowing traffic on previously closed roads, ADOT encourages motorists to do their part. Do not speed or tailgate other vehicles. Make sure you rest well before your trip and give yourself extra time for the trip.

Check the mechanical condition of your vehicle. Ensure you have proper cooling and brake fluids and oil. Check your tire pressure which also saves you on gasoline. Bring extra water and food in the event of a breakdown.

ADOT will open State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake, State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake

Before you leave, check for information about highway restrictions across Arizona at ADOT’s traveler information web site, www.az511.gov or dial 5-1-1.

Roundabout work on US 93 in Wickenburg begins Sunday night

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Night work will require the closure of the south roundabout; delays of up to 15 minutes are expected

WICKENBURG – The Arizona Department of Transportation will smooth and resurface the south roundabout in Wickenburg on US 93 starting Sunday night, March 23. Overnight work, requiring the full closure of the south roundabout, will occur Sunday through Thursday between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

Northbound US 93 traffic will be directed to use the north roundabout to Tegner Street for access into Wickenburg. Southbound US 93 traffic will be directed onto Tegner Street to eastbound US 60 and through the work zone with flaggers.

Until work is complete on the roundabout, one lane will be closed during the day starting on Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Restrictions for wide loads (maximum 10 feet wide) and a 75-foot length restriction will be in place until the work is completed.

Construction to widen State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley begins

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Four-lane divided highway to improve travel times for drivers

PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation will start a widening project this week on State Route 89 in an effort to improve travel times and enhance safety for motorists traveling between Chino Valley and Prescott.

Upon completion of the $17 million project, ADOT will expand the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway along a five-mile segment of SR 89 (mileposts 320-325) between Road 4 South in Chino Valley and Deep Well Ranch Road in Prescott, north of the SR 89/SR 89A junction.

The new southbound roadway will be parallel to the existing highway between Prescott and Chino Valley and will include the construction of two roundabouts at Deep Well Ranch Road and Kalinich Avenue.

Project work hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and minimal impacts to the traveling public are expected as the majority of the work will not be performed on the existing roadway.

This project is expected to be completed by summer 2015.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.