Bert fire in Valle increases in size

VALLE — The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is showing a substantial increase in activity and is expected to grow considerably while warmer weather continues over northern Arizona. The lightning-caused Bert fire was discovered May 28 and it was decided to manage the fire to burn fuels and return the land to grass land.

The fire is approximately 3850-acres and burning ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

With the steady increase in temperatures and lower relative humidity over the area, fire officials are anticipating an increase in fire activity over the next few days. The current weather pattern is expected to be short term, however, with a chance of moisture predicted to return by the middle of next week. Fire behavior and smoke impacts will likely diminish as cooler weather arrives.

An increase in smoke production is expected and will be noticeable from interstate 40, Highways 180 and 64 and from several adjacent communities including Valle, Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, Parks, Spring Valley and Cameron. Smoke may impact these communities periodically depending on shifting wind direction and changing weather patterns. Predominant southwest winds are expected to transport smoke away from adjacent residential areas however some smoke may occasionally drift over the Coconino rim to the northeast.

Work on US 60 passing lane near Superior to continue through summer

ADOT Photo

ADOT Photo

PHOENIX — Steep, rugged terrain and high winds have added challenges for crews working to create room for an additional lane on US 60 between Globe and Superior. Because of that, the project will continue through the summer, including twice-weekly closures for blasting work.

Crews have about 25,000 cubic yards of rocks and dirt – about 2,000 truckloads – to remove to complete the project between mileposts 227 east of Superior to milepost 235 west of Miami. In addition to creating a passing lane, the Arizona Department of Transportation project is widening the shoulders in Devil’s Canyon (mileposts 233-234), making improvements to the bridge at Waterfall Canyon (milepost 229) and improving drainage (milepost 242) west of Miami.

Drivers who rely on US 60 should continue to plan ahead for closures from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be no blasting-related closures in the area on June 30 or July 5 to accommodate holiday traffic.

After crews blast away rock in one area to make room for the climbing lane, they must maneuver heavy equipment up steep, narrow roads to prepare for the next blast. This spring, two periods of “red flag” conditions – high winds and low humidity that increase the danger of sparking a fire – have delayed work for about two weeks.

During the closures, drivers should consider taking state routes 77 and 177 between Superior and Globe, a route of about 68 miles. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260.

Meanwhile, US 60 will be restricted to one lane through the work zone from 9 p.m. Sunday, June 19, to 4 a.m. Monday, June 20, and also from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, June 20. A pilot car will lead vehicles the work zone, and motorists should budget extra travel time.

Drivers should use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time.

For more information on this project, please visit azdot.gov/us60oakflat.

Pavement resurfacing begins Monday on US 60 and US 180 in eastern Arizona

Drivers traveling on US 60 and US 180 in eastern Arizona should expect delays for the next two weeks as Arizona Department of Transportation crews resurface the road.

Expect delays on US 60 between mileposts 385-388 in Springerville and US 180 between mileposts 427-429 in Alpine as crews resurface the roadway.

Work will begin Monday (June 20), and continue weekdays until June 30. Work is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

One lane will be closed for the work at each location. Flaggers will help traffic alternate to get by the work sites.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.