Slide Rock and Sunset fires first major fires of the season

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

OAK CREEK – High winds and restricted area are making difficult the fighting of a fire in Oak Creek Canyon about a mile north of Slide Rock State park reported just before 4 pm today. It is being fought largely with aircraft. Witnesses reported to KTVK in Phoenix that fire fighting crews responded with amazing swiftness after the fire was reported.

A separate fire near Cordes Junction closed portions of Interstate 17 for about four hours.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is currently estimated to be 20 acres, burning on the north side of Highway 89 in Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.

Multiple firefighting units are responding, including two Hotshot crews, four engines, two helicopters, an air attack unit and Sedona Fire.

Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office told KTVK in Phoenix that they are requesting some evacuations and that he had heard of no fire-related injuries.

Highway 89 may close to traffic near the Slide Rock area, and evacuations are being ordered for areas just north of Slide Rock State Park. It is unknown whether there are any structures threatened at this time.

The fire is currently moving to the north and fuel treatments in the area have kept the fire from aggressive activity.

Cause is unknown at this time.

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter has opened a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, in Flagstaff for those displaced by the fire in Oak Creek Canyon.

The Sunset brush fire near Sunset Point north of Phoenix caused Interstate 17 to be closed for a time. After more than four-hours, Interstate 17 was reopened. according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At 6:30 p.m., both directions of the freeway were reopened. The left lane was closed in each direction for two miles, from milepost 254-256. There is no indication when those lanes would reopen.

The freeway had been closed from near the Sunset Point Rest Area 35 miles north of Phoenix to just south of the Cordes Junction exit at SR 69 beginning about 2 p.m.

US 89 paving project north of Cameron underway

adot-logo3CAMERON – The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun on improvements to a 9-mile segment of US 89 at Moenkopi Wash, starting about 10 miles north of Cameron and continuing north about 5 miles past the junction of US 89 and US 160.

The project includes new pavement and striping, new guardrail, shoulder and drainage improvements.

Work will take place Monday through Thursday during daylight hours, with some night work to occur during the paving portion of the project. 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.

This project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2014.

Improvement project on SR 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott nears completion

adot-logo3Crews will begin paving the roadway on State Route 89 (White Spar Road) in Prescott starting on Tuesday, May 20.

Next week, paving work will occur Tuesday through Thursday, May 20 to May 22, and be off the road on Friday, May 23 in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

During paving activities drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes over the next two weeks. Work hours are 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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.

Bike riders expected throughout Verde Valley this weekend

adot-logo3The Arizona Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to be alert for bicyclists traveling along the shoulders of state highways throughout the Verde Valley this weekend due to a special event.

More than 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate in a charity bike race on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers can expect to see bicycle riders on State Route 89A and SR 179. Minimal delays are expected but ADOT suggests drivers be prepared for slower traffic through the area.

State law requires a vehicle to maintain a three-foot gap when passing a bicycle on a roadway.

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

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.

Utility work on State Route 89A in Cottonwood scheduled on Saturday

COTTONWOOD – State Route 89A in Cottonwood at Sixth Street (milepost 352) will be closed at night between 9 and 9:15. on Saturday, April 12, as overhead utility lines are installed across the roadway.

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. Law enforcement personnel will be present to enforce the closures as they occur.

Pavement work scheduled on State Route 89 on White Spar Road

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.

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

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.