Category Archives: Phoenix

No services available for part of Wednesday, January 18, at I-10 Burnt Well Rest Area

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PHOENIX – Restrooms, drinking fountains and vending machines won’t be available at the Interstate 10 Burnt Well Rest Area west of Phoenix from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, due to utility work in the area.

Motorists will still be able to stop at the rest area, which has locations in both directions at milepost 86 near Tonopah, while the power is out and services aren’t available.

Other ADOT rest areas along I-10 between Phoenix and the California state line are Bouse Wash at milepost 53 and Ehrenberg at milepost 4.7.

Need a driver license? More Authorized Third Party offices now do that

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PHOENIX – One of the most common Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division transactions just got a bit easier with the addition of more Authorized Third Party providers permitted to offer driver license services including road testing, written testing and photos.

There are now 22 third-party providers, operating at 33 locations, authorized to offer these transactions. To do so, they must meet stringent qualifications set by MVD.

These services are provided at all MVD offices and require an in-person visit. Customers looking for convenience may wish to consider an Authorized Third Party.

“Partnering with Authorized Third Party providers is a very successful example of government and the private sector cooperating to offer outstanding customer service,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “These offices are a convenient and popular supplement to MVD locations. Having more of them offering driver licenses is another great example of MVD getting people out of line and safely on the road.”

All Authorized Third Party providers must follow MVD guidelines and are monitored for compliance. Operators that offer driver license services have additional requirements, including having been a third-party provider for at least three years, conducting at least 1,000 transactions per month for one year, having an appropriate facility and meeting certain financial requirements.

With several more Authorized Third Party locations expected to open before the end of the year, information about which offices provide driver license services can be found at ServiceArizona.com or azdot.gov/mvd.

Online applications for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn antelope and elk.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2017 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet (PDF). Printed booklets also are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any regional office statewide.

All applications – online or paper – must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Postmarks do not count.

In a major change from last year, online applicants must keep their credit card payment information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer will attempt to reach applicants by telephone to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards have failed.

This also marks the first time pronghorn and elk hunters will be able to purchase PointGuard as part of their online application. An innovative new program, PointGuard provides hunters with peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. Information: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

In the meantime, the department is encouraging all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD Customer Portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results information and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Finally, did you know the department’s online services are available 24/7? >From creating that AZGFD Customer Portal account and purchasing a valid hunting license, to getting the latest wildlife news and applying online for the draw, visit www.azgfd.gov anytime for all of your outdoor needs. Save time, buy online!

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Prepare for traffic, do your research if heading to play in the snow

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PHOENIX – With light snow in the forecast heading into a long weekend, winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are likely to attract heavy traffic that leads to delays.

Those planning to visit snow-play areas along US 180 over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend should leave prepared to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face traffic backlogs getting back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on.

They also should prepare for the trip by researching the locations of snow-play areas and whether those areas have enough snow to be open. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau lists snow-play locations at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snowplay link) and offers a hotline at 844-256-SNOW with the latest snow conditions.

Don’t park along highways or interstates to play in the snow. That’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders. It also can exacerbate traffic congestion on US 180.

Once they get to Flagstaff on their trips home, those heading to points south at day’s end can save time getting to Interstate 17 by taking a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Drive and Route 66, then heading west to I-17.

Motorists traveling to Arizona’s high country should allow extra travel time with snow in the forecast and prepare as they would for any extended period in cold weather. That includes taking winter coats, blankets, a fully charged cellphone and portable charger, plenty of fuel, drinking water, snacks and medications. ADOT offers more tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Give snowplows a wide berth, staying four car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.

Overnight paving resumes on I-17 between New River and Black Canyon City

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will resume repaving of Interstate 17 this week between New River and Coldwater Canyon roads in Black Canyon City (mileposts 232 to 245). Crews have completed repaving the southbound lanes and have shifted work to the northbound lanes for the next two months. Drivers can expect alternating northbound lane restrictions during overnight work hours.

Crews will also close the on- and off-ramps at Table Mesa Road (Exit 236) for repaving between 6:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, and Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The $10.8 million project includes the removal of a layer of the existing pavement and application of a new layer of smooth, quiet rubberized asphalt. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2017.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Arizona driver licenses, IDs are valid for air travel until October 1, 2020

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PHOENIX – Arizona driver licenses and state identification cards are valid for air travel until Oct. 1, 2020. Period.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is sharing that message with travelers who may be confused by new Transportation Security Administration placards posted at airports. These notices say that beginning on Jan. 28, 2018, travelers using a driver license or state ID for travel will need one from a state compliant with the federal REAL ID Act or a state with an extension for compliance.

Arizona is among states granted federal extensions allowing valid driver licenses and state IDs to be used for travel until Oct. 1, 2020. That’s because Arizona has started offering a voluntary ID that meets REAL ID Act requirements.

Arizonans have the option now to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID. It’s available by appointment at Motor Vehicle Division offices or without an appointment at an Authorized Third Party provider offering driver license services. It costs $25 and in most cases is valid for eight years.

Please visit azdot.gov/TravelID for more information on the Voluntary Travel ID and the documents required to get one, to schedule an appointment to get a Voluntary Travel ID at an MVD office or to locate an Authorized Third Party offering driver license services. You also can schedule an MVD appointment to get a Voluntary Travel ID via ServiceArizona.com.

Arizona Game and Fish Department seeks input on game management hunt guidelines

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting comments on improving the hunt guidelines to continue the sustainable management of the state’s game animals, while providing as much hunting recreation as possible.

Comments on the existing hunt guidelines (See PDF) may be submitted through Feb. 15, 2017, either by e-mail to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

“This is your opportunity to get involved in the nuts and bolts of this process, which guides how hunts are set each year,” said Big Game Management Supervisor Amber Munig. “We are seeking your ideas, comments, concerns, or observations on how to meet the many demands by our varied hunting public, as well as fostering new opportunities for continuing our hunting heritage for future generations.”

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters that make up the “recipes” used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.) and results in the hunts in which sportsmen, women and children participate.

However, wildlife biologists note that while wildlife is held in the public’s trust, and hunting opportunity is important, using science-based principles in shaping the guideline process remains paramount to assure healthy, sustainable, and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

After all the comments are received, reviewed and processed, the department will host public meetings across the state to present the proposed revisions, answer questions, and collect any further public input. A final draft will then be prepared and posted on the department’s website prior to being presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in September.

The existing hunt guidelines (PDF), as well as information on the hunt guidelines process, can be found at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Meetings aim to shape future off-highway vehicle recreation on BLM land

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts who utilize Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to participate in a series of workshops organized by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“Whether you ride to see the countryside, to view wildlife or while hunting or fishing, OHVs are key for thousands of Arizonans and visitors to access the outdoors,” said Josh Hurst, AZGFD Off-Highway Vehicle Program coordinator. “To enhance OHV opportunities and plan for the future, the public is being given the opportunity to work with NOHVCC to help inform the BLM’s Travel Management and Recreation Management plans.”

To gather feedback, NOHVCC will hold a series of meetings around the state, where people will learn about current BLM activities and can offer their experiences on BLM managed land. The public can also provide input on what experiences can’t currently be found on BLM managed lands in Arizona and what could be done to better enhance OHV recreation.

Meetings are scheduled for the following times, dates and locations:

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center 850 S. Bluff Street in St. George, Utah
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 24 at the Ramada at 3100 E. Andy Divine Ave. in Kingman
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Quartzite Community Center at 295 Chandler Street in Quartzite
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites at 5151 E. Grant Road in Tucson
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at the Coffinger Park Recreation Center at 175 E. Swilling Ave. in Wickenburg
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the La Quinta Inn at 2510 W. Greenway Road in Phoenix

Those unable to participate in one of the meetings, but would like to provide input, can submit comments and questions to trailhead@nohvcc.org.

Rumour has it there’s a winner for favorite 2016 safety message

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PHOENIX – An Adele-inspired message struck a chord when ADOT Blog followers voted on their favorite safety slogans of 2016.

“Hello from the other side, buckle up & stay alive,” which appeared on electronic message boards in August, had received more than 3,300 votes as of Wednesday, Jan. 4.

The runner-up was “Gobble, gobble go easy on the throttle,” which got roughly 3,200 votes. “Mash potatoes not your head, buckle up,” another Thanksgiving weekend offering, was third with more than 3,000 votes.

The informal online poll launched Dec. 28 had participants give thumbs-up or thumbs-down to 10 safety slogans that appeared on ADOT message boards this past year.

ADOT posted more than 30 targeted safety messages during 2016.

ADOT’s Facebook page offered a chance for participants to sound off on messages that didn’t make the list of finalists. The most common complaint: not seeing Stars Wars-themed messages, including those timed with the release of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” such as “Join the rebellion against distracted driving.”

Other top-rated messages were “Pokemon Go is a no-go when driving” and “Designated drivers make the best New Year’s dates,” both with around 2,800 votes, and “Dumb drivers and smartphones don’t mix,” with about 2,700 votes.

We’re leaving the poll up, and who knows what the future may bring. But since some people have asked us for a winner, here you go.

Blasting resumed in January on State Route 77

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PHOENIX – Daytime blasting to remove potentially hazardous rocks resumed yesterday in an effort to protect workers and motorists along State Route 77 south of Globe. SR 77 will be closed in both directions between mileposts 154-161 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

In addition, lane closures are expected each work day from 7-10 a.m. and from 3-5 p.m. Drivers should expect delays of about 15 minutes during those times. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until March.

ADOT crews had been working at night to remove rocks that could have fallen along SR 77 near Dripping Springs. The work was switched to the safer daylight hours after a loosened 18-foot limestone boulder fell 150 feet and landed on the roadway on November 30.

The incident underscored the risk for construction crews and the potential hazard to motorists. In addition to the instability of the rock face that is being removed, blasting creates flying rock that could be dangerous to workers, especially in the dark between sunset and sunrise.

During the closures, drivers can travel SR 177 and US 60 between Globe and Winkelman. That route will add about 20 miles to the trip.

As with any work zone, drivers are asked to drive slowly and cautiously in the work area and watch for construction workers and equipment.

Out-of-State travelers should be aware that Arizona Revised Statute 28-710 §B. provides for double fines for speeding through a marked highway work zone.