Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

No state highway closures over Memorial Day weekend

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PHOENIX — Drivers should monitor weather forecasts, check their vehicles and pack an emergency travel kit if heading out on a Memorial Day weekend trip, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The good news for drivers is that ADOT and its contractors are not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 26, through Monday night, May 29, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

ADOT still recommends an early start and extra time, especially during peak travel periods. Motorists should be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

An emergency prep kit for your vehicle should include extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger, snacks, diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember as the annual summer travel season gets underway.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Drivers should be prepared to slow down and move over if ADOT workers and other first responders are along state highways. In addition to on-call statewide maintenance crews, the ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers in need of help. More information about ADOT IRU can be found on the ADOT website.

Motorists also should slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repairs

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PHOENIX — As warming weather allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin more permanent repairs to highways after a rough winter, the agency is reallocating $50.5 million to replace deteriorating pavement surfaces within 23 locations, most of them in northern Arizona.

The State Transportation Board on Friday approved ADOT’s plan to address severe roadway deterioration on segments of I-40, I-17, I-10, US 60, SR 260 and SR 77. Funding for the pavement repair work comes from savings on other projects. ADOT plans to recommend $40 million for similar projects in the agency’s 2024-2029 Five-Year Construction Program.

“I’m proud to announce an over $50 million investment in fixing our roads,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money we need to protect our highways and ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans. Snow and rain this winter exposed the lack of upkeep and I’m grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these critical investments.”

The projects, which ADOT plans to begin as soon as possible, are in areas where pavement was already stressed in recent years due to age and use. The snow and rain during the record-setting winter created ideal conditions for potholes and other road surface damage in these highway stretches.

“ADOT’s goal is to deliver the safest and most reliable highway system possible with the funding we have to make improvements around the state,” ADOT State Engineer Greg Byres said. “We know these projects to improve pavement conditions are much-needed, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.”

Depending on the project, work is expected to begin from mid-May into June. The following projects will consist of removing and replacing damaged surface pavement in locations within these highway stretches:

I-40

both directions between Needle Mountain Road and SR 95 (MP 2-9)
eastbound between US 93 and Silver Springs Road (MP 72-79)
eastbound between Willow Ranch and Fort Rock roads (MP 88-92)
westbound between Cross Mountain and Willow Ranch roads (MP 95-89)
eastbound between Fort Rock Road and Seligman (MP 92-123)
both directions between Seligman and Ash Fork (MP 123-146)
both directions between the Riordan Bridge and I-17 (MP 190-195)
both directions between Walnut Canyon and Townsend-Winona roads (MP 204-211)
both directions between SR 99 and Tucker Flat Wash (MP 242-249)
both directions between Pinta and McCarrell roads (MP 319.1-330.55)

I-17

both directions between Sunset Point and SR 69 (MP 251-263)
both directions between SR 69 and SR 169 (MP 266-278)
northbound between SR 169 and 1 mile north of SR 179 (MP 280-300)
southbound between Middle Verde Road and SR 169 (MP 290-280)
both directions between SR 179 and the Scenic Overlook (MP 300-310)

I-10

both directions between US 191 and New Mexico line (MP 350-391)

SR 260

both directions between Rim Road and Heber (MP 282-302)
both directions between Knottingham Lane and fire station (MP 347.1-349.3)
both directions between Penrod Lane and Buck Springs Road (MP 354.1-354.4)

US 60

both directions between Wickenburg and SR 74 (MP 110-120)
both directions between Seneca and Salt River Bridge (MP 288-293)
both directions between Vernon and Cerro Montoso (MP 363.5-367.2)

SR 77

both directions between Dripping Springs and El Capitan (MP 154-163)

Click to view a map of the priority pavement locations and to print a list of the pavement repair locations.

These projects are in addition to pavement repairs that continue in many areas. To address the recent issues, ADOT crews first applied temporary patches and now, with warmer weather, are beginning the more permanent repairs. These repairs often involve patching material or milled and recycled pavement and a heavy-compaction roller to fill in potholes or areas of pavement.

ADOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and give workers plenty of space.

The repairs planned for I-17 complement a $35 million paving project that’s resuming this week after winter hiatus. Alongside shorter-term pavement repairs, this project will help address rough conditions on 29 miles of southbound Interstate 17 near Flagstaff.

Plan for intermittent daytime lane restrictions on State Route 179 in Sedona May 1-10

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SEDONA — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Sedona area drivers to plan for intermittent lane restrictions on State Route 179 beginning May 1.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following daytime restrictions are in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from May 1 through May 10.:

  • SR 179 will be intermittently narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel from Chapel Road to SR 89A (mileposts 310 – 313).
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will guide traffic through the work zone.
  • The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.
  • Drivers should be prepared to come to a complete stop in the work zone.
  • The restrictions will be lifted after maintenance crews finish each day.

The restriction is needed so crews can safely complete temporary pavement repairs along this stretch of SR 179

Arizona License and ID cards are getting an updated look

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The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will be releasing brand new driver license and ID cards this March. The new design will include several new security features that help prevent counterfeit reproductions or fraudulent use.

Attempted counterfeits of driver license and ID cards continue to be a concern for law enforcement, as well as personal information security. The advancement of security features in the card help prevent those counterfeit attempts from being successful.

The new design, which highlights several Arizona features, is a result of a new contract with Thales Group. Thales was selected through a procurement process as the new vendor, because of the company’s ability to provide the latest security features on driver license and ID cards.

New features of this card include:

  • 100% polycarbonate material that consists of multiple layers of plastic, fused together without adhesives, to form a solid structure impervious to tampering. The high durability of polycarbonate also provides the longest lifespan of any card, allowing for extended card life without compromise.
  • Laser-engraved information and black and white photo.
    “Dynaprint,” with two high-resolution images that appear based on the angle of the card, provides front-line authenticators with assurance that the card is genuine and strong protection against duplication or reproduction efforts.
  • Saguaro cactus and ponderosa pine tree images were selected to represent the diversity of Arizona terrain and communities.
  • “Secure Surface” is another security feature that incorporates a slightly raised surface and provides a subtle feel to part of the card. This is another quick authenticator for law enforcement and other authorities. It also helps reduce potential alterations or fraudulent cards.

The new cards will be available in mid-March, for both the Travel ID and the standard ID.

The current card design will continue to be issued for requests through Feb. 28, and will remain valid until the expiration date.

Visit azdot.gov for more information about the new card design.

Plan for lane restriction on State Route 89A in Cottonwood March 3

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Cottonwood area drivers to plan for a lane closure on northbound State Route 89A on Friday, March 3.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following daytime restriction is in place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Northbound SR 89A will be narrowed to one lane roughly between 12th and Main streets (milepost 353).
  • The sidewalk will be closed and pedestrian traffic diverted to the south side of the roadway at the intersections of 12th Street/SR 89A and Main Street/SR 89A.
  • The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.

The restriction is needed so crews can safely complete roadway repairs. Due to inclement weather, dates and times are subject to change.

ADOT to host in-person public meeting March 8, in Flagstaff to receive input on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will host an in-person public meeting to share details and receive input from the public on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which will set ADOT’s priorities and vision for Arizona’s transportation system over the next 25 years.

The meeting will be held:

Wednesday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., formal presentation at 6 p.m.
Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff AZ

To learn more about the plan visit www.adot2050plan.com.

For a full list of our public meeting opportunities, including a virtual option and Telefone Town Hall, follow this link.

The public’s input will be used, along with data about anticipating funding sources and future system needs, to develop the LRTP recommendations. ACCOMMODATIONS: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Nancy Becerra at 623.695.7411 or ngbecerra@azdot.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

Plan for westbound I-40 lane restrictions near Williams August 9-12

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WILLIAMS – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan for daytime lane restrictions on westbound Interstate 40 near Williams from Tuesday, August 9, through Friday, August 12, as work begins on a pavement life extension project.
Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of traffic between mileposts 157 – 155.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone.

The project will improve the condition of an 11-mile stretch of I-40 between the East Ash Fork interchange and Devil Dog Road. Final completion is anticipated in late fall of 2022.

National Highway Clean-Up Day September 17

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PHOENIX – Whether you are an existing Adopt a Highway volunteer group or want to pitch-in for one day. This year National Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 17—only seven weeks away! The day is set aside for civic-minded individuals and organizations to unite for the purpose of reducing litter in their communities along state highways.

Mark your calendar and watch for a registration message and link to participate in the coming weeks. Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and others civic-minded individuals requesting a one-day permit will have the opportunity to register for the cleanup later this month.

All groups participating are required to report litter totals within three days of the event. Last year 331 Adopt a Highway volunteers collected more than 1.3 tons of litter in one day. An amazing result from the efforts of caring Arizonans and visitors alike.

The Adopt a Highway team plans to visit as many volunteer groups around the state as logistics allow. If your clean up is along our route, we will contact you in advance of National Cleanup Day to coordinate details.

Thank you for considering National Cleanup Day as an opportunity to volunteer and help reduce litter along state highways.

Plan for daytime lane closure on southbound I-17 near Camp Verde Augugust 1-4

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CAMP VERDE – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for a lane closure along Interstate 17 near Camp Verde, as a project to install fiber-optic cable continues.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following daytime restrictions are in place from Monday, August 1, to Thursday, August 4:

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) from the Cornville Road to Middle Verde Road (mileposts 293-290) daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday morning, August 1, to Thursday evening, August 4.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.

For the most up-to-date information, visit az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

ADOT is installing high-speed fiber optic infrastructure along 67 miles of I-17 between the McGuireville Rest Area (north of Camp Verde) and Anthem Way. Work is expected to continue through mid-2022, and will proceed along I-17 in segments of several miles per week. Crews are installing conduit and pull-box systems, fiber optic cables, node buildings and load centers. Learn more on the project website or call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530.

Plan for lane restrictions on US 89A near Fredonia starting August 1

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FREDONIA – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for daytime lane restrictions on US 89A between Bitter Springs and Fredonia starting on Monday, August 1, as work begins on a paving project. The work is expected to extend into early September.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 6 a.m. to noon Fridays:

  • US 89A will be narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel, in two-mile segments, from milepost 579 – 594.
  • Drivers should be prepared to stop near the work zone.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone.
  • A vehicle width limit of 14 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.