Category Archives: City

Plan for I-40 ramp closures in Williams west of Flagstaff

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WILLIAMS — Northern Arizona drivers who use Interstate 40 are advised to plan for travel delays as crews return to complete paving, bridge and intersection work between Parks and Williams.

The following I-40 ramp closures and detours are scheduled while crews reconstruct the on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard:

  • Monday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to noon, crews will close the eastbound on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard to complete guardrail work. DETOUR: Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic accessing eastbound I-40 traffic will head westbound on I-40 to exit at Country Club Road (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40.
  • Thursday, May 16, through Wednesday, May 22, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Tuesday, May 28, through Tuesday, June 4, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic will use westbound historic Route 66 and enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161).

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time or over Memorial Day weekend.

In early summer, crews will put down new asphalt on 17 miles of I-40 in both directions between Parks and Williams. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, as well as installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and plan for possible delays while work is underway.

For more information, please visit the project website.

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

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PHOENIX – Those traveling between Interstate 17 and Sedona along State Route 179 will need to plan extra travel time as the highway will be narrowed to one lane between the Red Rock Ranger Station and Chapel Road so Arizona Department of Transportation crews can apply chip seal.

Beginning Monday, May 13, crews will restrict SR 179 to one lane in 3-mile segments through the Village of Oak Creek. Drivers moving through the area should expect long delays as each direction of traffic will alternate through the work zone.

Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control through the work zone. Flaggers will also be on site to maintain access to businesses, communities and local streets throughout the project area.

Drivers can also consider using SR 89A and SR 260 through Cottonwood as an alternate route between I-17 and Sedona.

The project is expected to last for five consecutive days and be completed by the end of the week.

For more information on this project and others, visit azdot.gov.

Arizona Game and Fish reminds public to leave baby wildlife alone

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PHOENIX — Rising temperatures and longer days mean spring is here and newborn wildlife are likely exploring the world around them.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department understands the public’s desire to help seemingly “abandoned” animals such as baby birds and bunnies, however, the department reminds people to refuse the urge to “rescue” wildlife and to please leave baby wildlife alone.

While their intentions are good, in reality they’re taking a newborn or juvenile animal from its parents, which likely parked the baby in one location while they foraged for food and water for long periods of time.

“Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary and can have negative consequences,” said Stacey Sekscienski, Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Education program manager. “The mother is often left searching for her young, and baby wildlife raised by humans is less likely to survive if released back into the wild.”

AZGFD reminds those who come across young or baby wildlife to leave them alone. Some species of baby animals, such as elk calves or deer fawns may even have to be euthanized because they cannot be released back into the wild due to disease concerns. In addition, zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries have limited space to hold them.

Each year wildlife centers around the state are inundated with baby birds, rabbits and other wildlife that were unnecessarily taken from the wild.

The public should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or their nearest AZGFD office if they encounter an animal that is clearly sick or injured with wounds or broken bones; is unresponsive or lethargic; has been attacked by a cat or dog; or there is strong evidence that the mother is dead.

Young wildlife found in your yard or in the field is rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (you, or your cat or dog) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Young birds that have fallen from the nest can be placed back in the nest or as close as possible, preferably in an artificial nest. Those birds that are partially flighted should be left alone or in some cases moved nearby out of harm’s way.

Contrary to popular belief, human scent will not prevent the parents from returning to care for their young. Eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

“It’s reassuring to know our Arizona community is passionate about caring for wild animals, but most often, the best thing anyone can do is just to leave baby wildlife alone,” Sekscienski said.

Those with questions about a specific situation should contact one of the wildlife rehabilitators listed on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife or contact their local Game and Fish office.

May 12 is deadline to submit public comment on proposal to restrict predator hunting contests

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds constituents that Sunday, May 12, is the last day to provide comments on a proposal to adopt a rule that would prohibit using any lethal method of take during a hunting contest for predatory and fur-bearing animals, as defined under Arizona Revised Statutes 17-101.

All public comments received from April 12 to May 12 will become part of the official record for this proposed rulemaking. There are two ways to submit comments:

  1. E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov
  2. U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Rules Section, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

All public comments will be evaluated before a Notice of Final Rulemaking is taken to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for its consideration. If approved, the final rule would be reviewed by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRCC).

The commission’s intent in adopting this rule is to address social concerns associated with hunting contests that award prizes to participants who kill the largest number or variety of predatory or fur-bearing animals.

The proposed rule would not apply to lawful, regulated hunting of predatory and fur-bearing animals, which plays an important role in wildlife management.

$75,000 in grants available for development of new hunters, anglers

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AZGF photo


PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, hands-on projects that are focused on the progressive development of new hunters and anglers.

The Local Sportsmen’s Group grants program places a high priority on projects that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Online applications and instructions are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) June 18.

“This grant program continues to be a key element to the success of Arizona’s partnership-based hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) program,” said Doug Burt, the department’s hunting and shooting sports program manager.

“The projects from these funds, and the efforts of these community groups, return far more in value than the grant dollars would on their own by providing education about safe and ethical hunting and fishing, and how sportsmen play an important role in wildlife conservation.”

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona. To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/wsfr/.

Public Health Officials urge precautions against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Officials are urging people to protect themselves against rabies.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have had contact with an animal suspected to have rabies. Postexposure prophylaxis, a series of injections, may be recommended to prevent disease. Once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in humans.

Prior to symptoms appearing, Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite, scratch or lick of a rabid animal. Most animal rabies cases reported to the CCPHSD each year occur in wild animals like foxes and skunks.

People are urged to take the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Call Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management at 928-679-8756. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Drive a big truck in the military? There may be a simpler path to a commercial driver license

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PHOENIX – Veterans of the U.S. military who operated large vehicles as part of their service may qualify for an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division military skills test waiver when applying for a commercial driver license.

“The waiver is something that deserves more attention because it gives veterans who’ve honorably served this country more opportunities to use those skills once they return to civilian life,” said MVD Field Operations Administrator Mike Cryderman.

He added, “There’s a real need in this country for proficient commercial drivers, and the MVD is committed to assisting veterans with this kind of experience to appropriately get the credentials they need.”

The military skills test waiver applies to veterans who operated a military vehicle equivalent to a commercial vehicle within the last year. The waiver requires the applicant to describe what kind of vehicle he or she operated, such as fifth wheel, truck tractor/semi-trailer, truck trailer combination, or single vehicles that meet certain commercial weight specifications. It also requires the applicant to obtain a commanding officer’s certification that the applicant has commercial driving experience in the military.

Tony Bradley, President and CEO for the Arizona Trucking Association said, “The simple fact is that veterans make great employees and we should encourage every veteran with experience driving heavy equipment to take advantage of the military skills test waiver. By utilizing the skills test waiver these veterans can get credit for the skills they learned in the military and start earning money as a commercial truck driver or heavy equipment operator.”

Potential applicants can find the waiver form (Form 96-0680) at www.azdot.gov/MVD.

Rain and cool weather moving in

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WILLIAMS – The overcast skies and cooler temperatures late in the day are from moisture moving into the area. It will continue to cool off and bring thundershowers through Sunday.

Monday it is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 64-degrees and an overnight low of about 36.

On Tuesday the high will drop 10-degrees to 54 with a 70% chance of rain and some lightning activity likely. The chance of showers drops to 20% overnight with a low of 37-degrees.

On Wednesday, there is an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. with a high near 57. Wednesday night there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms before 11 p.m. dropping to 20% after that.

On Thursday there is a 60% chance of showers during the day dropping to 30% chance overnight. A high of 58 during the day dropping to 37 overnight.

The long-range forecast shows this pattern continuing through Sunday. Winds are expected to average about 15-mph during the period.

Fire guts home in Williams

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WILLIAMS – Three fire engines were called in to fight a fire at 418 5th Street in Williams that started about 5:45. Units from the Williams Police and Coconino County Sheriff’s Department responded for traffic control.The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. There are reports that the family members are okay, but they lost one of the family dogs. The house was totally gutted.



Four ADOT projects receive Partnering Excellence Awards

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PHOENIX – To address pavement damage from many harsh winters, the Arizona Department of Transportation engaged a contractor to rebuild a total of 10 miles of Interstate 40 west of Williams near Devil Dog Road. In addition to the complexity of removing and replacing 5 miles of freeway in each direction, challenges included minimizing impacts on travelers and communities while finishing as soon as possible around a winter hiatus when the weather made work impossible.

ADOT and Fann Contracting Inc. navigated these challenges along with others that weren’t anticipated, such as weather, fire restrictions and unsuitable and unstable soil conditions, to deliver the improvement on time while maintaining two-way traffic throughout. Contributing to this success was a defined process called partnering through which the agency, contractors and stakeholders including area governments and utilities agree to goals, a communication structure and a way to resolve issues that arise.

For its efforts on this $34 million improvement, which was completed last fall, the project team, including ADOT personnel and Fann Contracting, recently received an Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award. The I-40 Devil Dog award, one of nine given at the Arizona Conference on Roads and Streets in Tucson, was for projects worth more than $25 million.

Each year, the Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Awards recognize teams of contractors and other organizations that have used partnering to foster productive relationships and successfully complete projects through communication, commitment, cooperation and continuous improvement. In addition to ADOT, the awards are sponsored by the Associated General Contractors Arizona Chapter, Arizona Public Works Association, American Council of Engineering Companies, Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona, Arizona Transportation Builders Association, Federal Highway Administration and Maricopa County Department of Transportation.

The Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Awards for 2018 honored three other ADOT projects:

  • For projects worth more than $25 million: ADOT and Ames Construction Inc., I-19 Ajo Way traffic interchange
  • For projects between $5 million and $25 million: ADOT and Nesbitt Contracting Co. Inc., State Route 88 improvements between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat
  • For projects under $5 million: ADOT and Fann Contracting, I-40 Twin Arrows traffic interchange

“Successful partnerships reduce delays, develop positive and effective relationships and help partners identify and solve problems as quickly as possible,” said Michael Carter, ADOT partnering administrator. “Partnering allows ADOT to deliver projects on time and cultivate better working relationships with contractors and stakeholders.”

In 1991, before its partnering program began, ADOT faced 60 legal actions resolved through mediation, arbitration or litigation at a cost of $39.8 million. Today, almost no disagreements over projects give rise to legal actions involving stakeholders, and an ADOT legal team that once handled those actions no longer exists.

To learn more about partnering at ADOT, please visit azdot.gov/Partnering.