ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a public survey to gather input about the speed limit along a stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix, in accordance with a new state law.

ADOT has commissioned an independent study to determine an appropriate speed limit for I-17 between the I-10 “Split” interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Peoria Avenue. The speed limit for that part of I-17 is currently 55 mph.

You can take part in the online survey from now through Saturday, Sept. 30, at https://tinyurl.com/I-17speedlimits; by email at projects@azdot.gov); and by phone at 1.855.712.8530. Comments also can be mailed to: I-17 Speed Limit Study, ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The speed study follows passage of legislation (SB 1102) that calls for a minimum speed limit of 65 mph on any interstate highway in counties with a population of 3 million or more people.

SB 1102 also stipulates that a lower speed limit can be set if certain conditions are met, including:

  • A lower limit is deemed necessary based on an independent engineering study or roadway assessment.
  • The overall system capacity and mobility along the freeway will not be reduced.
  • An opportunity for public input is provided.

The I-17 speed limit study is scheduled for completion in mid-October.

Interstate 17 to close in both directions nightly from Bumble Bee Road to Sunset Point for controlled rock blasting June 5-8

The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists to plan for overnight full closures and lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The work is starting Monday, June 5, and ending the morning of Saturday, June 10, as the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point continues.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following closures and restrictions are in place:

Controlled Rock Blasting Schedule – Expect delays of at least one hour and backups of about two miles.
17

I-17 will be closed in both directions between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) from 10 to 11 p.m. the nights of Monday, June 5, Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, for controlled rock blasting. The on-ramp to southbound I-17 from Sunset Point, and the on-ramp to northbound I-17 from Bumble Bee Road will be closed at the same time.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Sunset Point and Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 252-250) nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for controlled rock blasting operations.

Other Lane Restrictions Next Week

Northbound

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 232-234) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for earthwork.

Southbound

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 248-246) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 242-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for temporary striping, temporary concrete barrier, bridge demolition at Moores Gulch, and earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Table Mesa Road and New River Road (mileposts 236-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work and the installation of temporary concrete barrier.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) between New River Road and Anthem Way (mileposts 231-229) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work.

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repairs

PHOENIX — As warming weather allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin more permanent repairs to highways after a rough winter, the agency is reallocating $50.5 million to replace deteriorating pavement surfaces within 23 locations, most of them in northern Arizona.

The State Transportation Board on Friday approved ADOT’s plan to address severe roadway deterioration on segments of I-40, I-17, I-10, US 60, SR 260 and SR 77. Funding for the pavement repair work comes from savings on other projects. ADOT plans to recommend $40 million for similar projects in the agency’s 2024-2029 Five-Year Construction Program.

“I’m proud to announce an over $50 million investment in fixing our roads,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money we need to protect our highways and ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans. Snow and rain this winter exposed the lack of upkeep and I’m grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these critical investments.”

The projects, which ADOT plans to begin as soon as possible, are in areas where pavement was already stressed in recent years due to age and use. The snow and rain during the record-setting winter created ideal conditions for potholes and other road surface damage in these highway stretches.

“ADOT’s goal is to deliver the safest and most reliable highway system possible with the funding we have to make improvements around the state,” ADOT State Engineer Greg Byres said. “We know these projects to improve pavement conditions are much-needed, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.”

Depending on the project, work is expected to begin from mid-May into June. The following projects will consist of removing and replacing damaged surface pavement in locations within these highway stretches:

I-40

both directions between Needle Mountain Road and SR 95 (MP 2-9)
eastbound between US 93 and Silver Springs Road (MP 72-79)
eastbound between Willow Ranch and Fort Rock roads (MP 88-92)
westbound between Cross Mountain and Willow Ranch roads (MP 95-89)
eastbound between Fort Rock Road and Seligman (MP 92-123)
both directions between Seligman and Ash Fork (MP 123-146)
both directions between the Riordan Bridge and I-17 (MP 190-195)
both directions between Walnut Canyon and Townsend-Winona roads (MP 204-211)
both directions between SR 99 and Tucker Flat Wash (MP 242-249)
both directions between Pinta and McCarrell roads (MP 319.1-330.55)

I-17

both directions between Sunset Point and SR 69 (MP 251-263)
both directions between SR 69 and SR 169 (MP 266-278)
northbound between SR 169 and 1 mile north of SR 179 (MP 280-300)
southbound between Middle Verde Road and SR 169 (MP 290-280)
both directions between SR 179 and the Scenic Overlook (MP 300-310)

I-10

both directions between US 191 and New Mexico line (MP 350-391)

SR 260

both directions between Rim Road and Heber (MP 282-302)
both directions between Knottingham Lane and fire station (MP 347.1-349.3)
both directions between Penrod Lane and Buck Springs Road (MP 354.1-354.4)

US 60

both directions between Wickenburg and SR 74 (MP 110-120)
both directions between Seneca and Salt River Bridge (MP 288-293)
both directions between Vernon and Cerro Montoso (MP 363.5-367.2)

SR 77

both directions between Dripping Springs and El Capitan (MP 154-163)

Click to view a map of the priority pavement locations and to print a list of the pavement repair locations.

These projects are in addition to pavement repairs that continue in many areas. To address the recent issues, ADOT crews first applied temporary patches and now, with warmer weather, are beginning the more permanent repairs. These repairs often involve patching material or milled and recycled pavement and a heavy-compaction roller to fill in potholes or areas of pavement.

ADOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and give workers plenty of space.

The repairs planned for I-17 complement a $35 million paving project that’s resuming this week after winter hiatus. Alongside shorter-term pavement repairs, this project will help address rough conditions on 29 miles of southbound Interstate 17 near Flagstaff.

2.5-mile Stretch of Garland Prairie Road Closed Due to Flooding

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction
with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service, has closed the
2.5-mile stretch of Garland Prairie Road between Sycamore Creek to the east and
McDougal Flat to the west due to flooding along the roadway. Access to Garland Prairie
Road from White Horse Lake Road, which intersects from the south, also has been
closed, and signage is in place to direct motorists away from the flooded area.
This closure is necessary for public safety as flows of at least two feet in depth have
been reported on this section of Garland Prairie Road. The closure will remain in effect
until weather conditions allow Public Works to safely reopen the roadway.

Plan for daytime lane closure on southbound I-17 near Camp Verde Augugust 1-4

CAMP VERDE – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for a lane closure along Interstate 17 near Camp Verde, as a project to install fiber-optic cable continues.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following daytime restrictions are in place from Monday, August 1, to Thursday, August 4:

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) from the Cornville Road to Middle Verde Road (mileposts 293-290) daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday morning, August 1, to Thursday evening, August 4.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.

For the most up-to-date information, visit az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

ADOT is installing high-speed fiber optic infrastructure along 67 miles of I-17 between the McGuireville Rest Area (north of Camp Verde) and Anthem Way. Work is expected to continue through mid-2022, and will proceed along I-17 in segments of several miles per week. Crews are installing conduit and pull-box systems, fiber optic cables, node buildings and load centers. Learn more on the project website or call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530.

US 93 widening, SR 89A improvements among northern Arizona highway projects starting this year

FLAGSTAFF – Expect additional highway improvements in northern Arizona this year as the Arizona Department of Transportation prepares to kick off projects along northern Arizona highways in 2022.

Among the most significant projects is the widening of US 93 just north of Wickenburg. The project will widen US 93 to a four-lane divided highway between Tegner Street and Wickenburg Ranch Way. This project is anticipated to be advertised this spring with construction anticipated to start before the end of the year. This continues ADOT’s decades-long effort to convert the entire stretch of US 93 from Wickenburg to the Nevada state line to a divided highway, improving safety.

Starting this year, ADOT will improve safety along SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon by combining three projects into one in order to better coordinate traffic impacts. These projects include rockfall mitigation, erosion control and rehabilitating the Pumphouse Wash Bridge. Drivers can expect restrictions and closures over the life of the project. ADOT will keep stakeholders informed of upcoming restrictions as we work to improve SR 89A.

In the spring, ADOT will start a bridge improvement project on the Interstate 40 A-1 Mountain interchange in Flagstaff. Crews will replace the bridge thereby extending the life of the interchange for the local community. A 40-day closure of A-1 Mountain Road over I-40 is scheduled for later this year as part of the project. ADOT will maintain access to the north of I-40 through detours and send notification in advance along with detour route information.

Later this year, ADOT will administer a long-awaited local project to build a traffic interchange at I-40 and Rancho Santa Fe Parkway in Kingman. The interchange will provide local access, accommodate current and future growth in east Kingman and alleviate congestion at the Andy Devine Avenue exit.

Southbound I-17 south of Flagstaff will receive new pavement this year undoing years of damage from winter weather. The project to replace pavement will stretch from Flagstaff south to milepost 312 at the Coconino County line. This same section of highway in the northbound direction was repaved a few years ago.

Also, crews will return to complete the following projects that started last year:

  • The replacement of I-40 bridges over Business 40 in west Flagstaff
  • Paving of 10 miles on I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff
  • Paving of 11 miles of US 60 and SR 260 in Show Low
  • The replacement of I-40 bridges at Pineveta Draw near Ash Fork

Crews will also continue installing fiber optic conduit along I-17 south of Flagstaff to bring broadband internet to rural Arizona communities. A new project placing conduit from the McGuireville Rest Area south to the community of Anthem will begin this year.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff June 1 – 4

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews continue pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, to the morning of Friday, June 4:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in work areas between the junction with I-17 (milepost 195) and Country Club Drive (milepost 201).
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

For more information, visit the project webpage: azdot.gov/I40WalnutCanyonRd

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff May 27-28

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews begin pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur from 8 p.m. Thursday, May 27, to 5 a.m. Friday, May 28:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane at the junction with I-17 between mileposts 195 and 196.
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible kidnapping

Blue Ridge — On 12/15/2020 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to locate a male suspect and female victim who was reportedly forced into a vehicle south of Flagstaff, Arizona, along Interstate 17 in the late morning hours.

At 1157 hours the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Mustang Gas Station at Clint’s Wells along Hwy 87, reporting the vehicle involved from the incident on I-17 in the area. The caller reported a female passenger strapped/tied to the front passenger seat in a white in colored 4dr Jeep Wrangler with a black top. The reporting party then followed the suspect vehicle south along Highway 87 from Clint’s Wells until the suspect turned off on to Forest Service Road 141 east.

The Reporting party obtained and reporting the vehicle information to the 911 dispatch center. The vehicle returned to a subject out of Scottsdale, Arizona. During the investigation it was learned a Brandon Thomas Stewart of Scottsdale, was in possession of the vehicle in question.

Pings on the phone lead the Sheriff’s Office, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety Helicopter to begin Searching the area east of Highway 87 and north of Forest Service road 300.

Later in the evening the suspect vehicle was located, and a high-risk traffic stop was conducted by DPS and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office at mile post 283 on Interstate 40.

The driver Brandon Stewart was taken into custody without incident and the female victim was located uninjured. Brandon Stewart was transported to the Navajo County Detention facility and booked on charges of Unlawful Imprisonment. Further charges are pending.

This incident is still under investigation and no further information is currently available. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Public Safety for their assistance in this incident.