Daily Archives: March 24, 2014

Governor Pence Signs Bill Taking Indiana Out of Common Core

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mike-penceIndianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed Senate Enrolled Act 91, which requires Indiana to adopt its own academic standards. The Governor issued the following statement:

“I believe our students are best served when decisions about education are made at the state and local level. By signing this legislation, Indiana has taken an important step forward in developing academic standards that are written by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers, and are uncommonly high, and I commend members of the General Assembly for their support.

“As the task of writing our new academic standards continues, I am grateful to the more than 100 Indiana educators who have put thousands of hours into a comprehensive, transparent, and rigorous process of academic review and am confident that our state will produce Indiana standards that will prepare our students for success in college, careers, and life.”

Bridge work starting on I-40 in Winslow

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Drivers should expect narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits on I-40 through Winslow

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation begins a project on Monday, March 31 to reconstruct Interstate 40 bridges at Ruby Wash, Maple Street and Transcon Lane in Winslow.

The east- and westbound bridges at each location, six total, will be improved during the $3.8 million dollar project. Work includes replacing the bridge decks, new asphalt and some guardrail and drainage improvements.

All six bridges will be under construction simultaneously and I-40 will be narrowed to one lane between mileposts 254 and 257 through fall 2014, when the project is anticipated to be completed. There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone.

In addition to the interstate restrictions, there are local restrictions as well. Maple Street, which runs underneath I-40, will be closed for six months. Detour signs will be posted for alternate routes during its closure. Also, Transcon Lane, which also runs under I-40, will have intermittent lane closures, but will remain open to traffic. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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

Community Meeting on Awareness & Prevention of Serious Injury and Fatality Collisions on Camp Townsend/Winona Road

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is facilitating a meeting to discuss motor vehicle collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities that have occurred on Camp Townsend/Winona Road. The meeting will be held at the Summit Fire District Station Number 31 located at 6425 N. Cosnino Road in Flagstaff on Thursday, March 27, 2014 beginning at 6:00 pm.

During the years of 2008 to February 4, 2014 Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives have investigated 49 motor vehicle collisions resulting in injuries and five collisions that have resulted in fatalities on Camp Townsend/Winona Road. Investigations have revealed that a large number of the collisions are the result of driver error with the most predominant violations of “Speed in Excess Of the Posted Limit” and “Failure to Control Motor Vehicle.”

Representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Public Works Engineering Department will present information to the community and discuss possible solution to include increased enforcement of traffic violations on Camp/Townsend Winona Road with emphasis on violations that may result in serious injury and fatality collisions. Representatives of the Public Works Department will discuss the possibility of additional signage.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information and suggestions from the public that create a collaborative effort to reduce collisions in the area. We cordially invite you to join the Sheriff’s Office in a partnership of trust and shared responsibility with the ultimate objective of increasing motoring-safety on Camp Townsend Winona Road and throughout our community.