Overhead sign installation continues on westbound I-40 east of I-17 Junction in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation continues work to install an overhead electronic message sign on westbound Interstate 40 (milepost 197), just east of the I-17 junction south of Flagstaff.

Electronic message signs span the width of the freeway and are used by ADOT to help keep drivers informed of traffic, road and weather conditions.

Monday (Aug. 31) through Wednesday (Sept. 2), westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane (milepost 197) while crews continue work on an overhead electronic message sign. Work will take place daily from 6 a.m. to noon. Please observe reduced speeds and exercise caution while traveling through the work zone.

A visit to Old Trails

640-15-08-28-01WILLIAMS — Old Trails True Value hardware has been serving the Williams community for hundreds of years. Okay. For a really long time. I am not a handyman because I do not have a lot of room for projects and I usually break my thumb changing a light bulb. Today I had the need of some tools and had a chance to visit at 616 Airport Road in Williams and see what was new. You can call them at 928-635-2591 (even from your smart phone) and see if they have what you need.

Loads of fishing and camping essentials.

Loads of fishing and camping essentials.


Old Trails allows well-behaved, friendly, vaccinated and leashed dogs, cats, parrots, etc., into the store so you do not have to leave your pet in the hot car.

I was able to find what I was looking for and some things I was not. If you cannot find your particular need, the friendly staff knows where it is.

Of course you can get the usual home repair necessities and project requirements. Old Trails is stocked with the basic pipes, ladders, lumber and wood products, tools and so forth. Everything you expect from a hardware store.
640-15-08-28-03They also have a line of RV essentials for our visitors coming through. Along with anti-freeze, washer fluid, oil and other general auto supplies.

Old Trails has some things to think about for Fire Prevention month in October. They have a line of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers which are really important. They also have the batteries if yours are dead. You do not have to wait for October to participate. You can test your smoke or C02 detector and replace the batteries or units as necessary today. Then you can sit back during October and enjoy the Halloween decorations you can also get at Old Trails.

Fire extinguishers are important for home or auto.

Fire extinguishers are important for home or auto.


I twice had the occasion to actually use a fire extinguisher that was carried in my family vehicles. Once to stop a fire in my family kitchen and once in my own car. Both times limited severe damage so I recommend you get one for home and vehicle. These were smaller fires. If they had been larger I would not try to fight them alone, of course. I would call 911.
They also carry the Dickies line of work shirts, pants and shorts.

They also carry the Dickies line of work shirts, pants and shorts.

Don't forget to check out the back. Lots more stuff back there.

Don’t forget to check out the back. Lots more stuff back there.

If you are getting ready to winterize or need parts for projects or home repairs, check out Old Trails in Williams. In fact you might want to pick the brains of the staff now for ideas on what you might need for winter. Some are expecting a harsh winter season this year.

Here is a secret, ciphered message that only my Veteran brothers and sisters will understand:

Don’t forget to tell them you are a Veteran to receive your 10% discount.

(I’m sorry. Did that go out in the clear?)

US 60 east of Superior to close briefly for blasting operations Sept. 2 and 3 and Sept. 9 and 10

SUPERIOR — Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, for the next two weeks, need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix. The closures are scheduled for Sept. 2 and 3 and the following week for Sept. 9 and 10.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require a full closure of US 60 for up to 90 minutes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 and 3.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235) until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

ADOT anticipates the highway will be closed at least once per week for blasting for up to three months. As blasting continues there will be a lesser impact on traffic and delays will be reduced.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long.

The $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.

The project will include the following:

  • Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
  • Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (milepost 233-234)
  • Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
  • Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242 just west of Miami)

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

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