Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

Next phase for US 89 and Haul Road roundabout construction to begin Friday

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PAGE — The Arizona Department of Transportation is moving onto the next phase of construction on the new roundabout at the intersection of US 89 and Haul Road in Page, beginning this Friday, May 29.

During this phase of construction the intersection of US 89 and Haul Road will have restrictions in place for east- and westbound travel on Haul Road, which will not allow cross traffic on US 89 from Haul Road.

With Haul Road temporarily closed at the US 89 junction during the roundabout construction, motorists can connect to local businesses by using one of two new access locations along US 89: one in front of Walmart, and the other on the north side of McDonald’s.

Traffic on US 89 will be accommodated with one lane of travel in each direction, including a center turn lane. ADOT urges motorists to obey the reduced speed limit of 25 mph through the work zone.

Access to area businesses will be provided at all times during construction.  Drivers can expect congestion through the work zone and should be prepared for possible delays. Motorists should allow for extra time and exercise caution while traveling through work zones.

The $2.3 million improvement project includes the construction of a large, two-lane roundabout that will allow oversized vehicles, including houseboats, to safely pass through the intersection. The project is expected to be completed late this year.

For more information on the project, please visit azdot.gov/US89PageRoundabout.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Final paving to resume on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl June 1

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sf-peaksFLAGSTAFF — After a winter hiatus, the Arizona Department of Transportation is returning next week to apply the top layer of asphalt along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 214-219).

The work is part of a pavement preservation project that started in summer 2014, but work had to be temporarily suspended until warmer temperatures allowed for the final paving.

The work will occur daily, Monday, June 1 through Saturday, June 6, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additional work may be necessary throughout the month and additional traffic alerts will be issued in advance of those operations.

During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.

Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 in Williams west of Flagstaff as an alternate route.

Public comment period for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program ends next week

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PHOENIX — There is still time to add your voice to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2016-2020 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. The public comment period is open until the end of the business day on May 26 to provide community members with a chance to submit their input about the plan for the state transportation system over the next five years.

The 2016-2020 Tentative Five-Year Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov. A phone number is also available for public comments at 1-855-712-8530.

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 26. Public hearings have been held in Tucson, Phoenix and Chino Valley. The board is expected to adopt the final 2016-2020 Five-Year Program at its June 19 meeting in Pinetop-Lakeside. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Hall, 1360 N. Niels Hansen Lane, Lakeside, AZ 85929.

The 2016-2020 Tentative Five-Year Program lays out proposed projects and improvements to the state highway system over the next five years, with a major focus on preserving existing infrastructure to ensure that it remains in good condition, while providing a reliable transportation network for drivers. It can be a tough balance, as constrained funding simply cannot meet all the transportation needs around the state.

The Five-Year Program is updated annually and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for projects. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Limited funding amid growing statewide transportation needs continues to be the biggest challenge over the next five years. Fewer dollars dedicated to transportation is a result of less revenue from traditional sources of transportation funding, like the state gas tax and vehicle license tax, which support the Five-Year Program. The state gas tax is currently 18 cents per gallon and has not been increased for more than 20 years.

These transportation funding challenges have signaled a shift to a strong focus on the preservation of the state highway system, to protect a system valued at $19.7 billion. If ADOT did not invest in preservation, it would cost approximately $200 billion to replace our existing highway infrastructure, should it fall into disrepair. ADOT is committed to moving major expansion projects forward as well, but with less transportation dollars to stretch, fewer expansion projects make it into the Five-Year Program.

Good news for State Route 87 motorists traveling during Memorial Day weekend

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PHOENIX — Just in time for the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation lifted all traffic restrictions along State Route 87 today, Thursday, May 21 as the agency nears completion of a safety improvement project approximately 10 miles north of Sunflower near the Maricopa/Gila County line.

Since construction started in October, motorists traveling between Phoenix and Payson have encountered a series of traffic restrictions related to a $6.2 million project to reconstruct an existing curve to make it easier for vehicles to navigate through at milepost 227, as well as building a new northbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228.

In addition to all four lanes (two in each direction) being reopened through the work zone, all wide load restrictions were removed permanently as well.

The project also includes slope excavation and reconstruction, drainage improvements, new signage and new concrete barrier installation.

The new runaway truck escape ramp will offer an opportunity for out-of-control trucks, which may have inoperable brakes, to safely exit the highway and come to a controlled stop. The truck escape ramp is scheduled to open next month, but there will not be an impact to the traveling public as the remaining work on that project will be completed away from the four-lane highway.

Beginning Tuesday, May 26, drivers may encounter intermittent lane restrictions in both directions for miscellaneous work through the end of June.

ADOT responds to filing of legal action against South Mountain Freeway

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Loop_202_freeway_challenge_2963300000_18473589_ver1.0_640_480PHOENIX — While the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have not yet had an opportunity to review in detail the legal action filed against the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, the agencies are confident that any legal challenges will find that the law was followed in coming to a decision to construct this long-planned freeway.

Following an extensive environmental review process that encompassed more than a decade of comprehensive analysis, with various formal and informal opportunities for the public to learn about the project and provide comment, ADOT received a Record of Decision from the Federal Highway Administration in March 2015 to proceed with the project. Throughout the process, nearly 8,000 formal comments from community members were documented, responded to and considered by the study team in coming to the decision to construct the freeway.

The South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. It was part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400, and this freeway is the last piece to complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system necessary for high-quality regional mobility. The South Mountain Freeway will significantly improve travel between the southeast and southwest areas of the Valley and help reduce congestion on Interstate 10. The freeway is also expected to promote economic development in the region.

The freeway will be constructed with four lanes in each direction – three general-use lanes and one HOV lane – and modern features that have made Arizona freeways stand apart from other states for a generation, including rubberized asphalt and aesthetics designed in partnership with the community. Construction of the $1.75 billion project is expected to take about four years under an innovative public-private partnership that will have a private developer design, construct and maintain the freeway for 30 years. This public-private partnership will reduce costs to taxpayers while accelerating construction.

For more information, or to review the extensive environmental documentation, visit www.azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on US 95 (Main Street) in San Luis to be active tomorrow

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pedestrian-hybrid-beacon-1

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

SAN LUIS — The first pedestrian-activated signalized crosswalk in Yuma County, located at the intersection of US 95 (Main Street) and Urtuzuastegui Street in San Luis, will be operational starting Wednesday morning, May 20.

The specialized traffic light, known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, is part of an ongoing Arizona Department of Transportation improvement project in the downtown San Luis area to improve traffic flow to and from the U.S.-Mexico Port of Entry, enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety, and improve access to downtown businesses.

This special type of traffic light, which has been deployed in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas and across the nation to improve safety for pedestrians, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to become familiar with how a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon operates. Printable instructions may be downloaded at azdot.gov/PHB.

The light is activated after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed by a solid yellow light and then by two solid red lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternately and also the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Steps for Activation:

  • When there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, drivers see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. A pedestrian who wants to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.
  • When a pedestrian pushes the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Pedestrians will continue to see a “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY YELLOW light, warning drivers the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light. Pedestrians will continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should continue to wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line. At this point, the pedestrian receives a “WALK” symbol to cross.
  • As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, indicating that they need to STOP and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear. Pedestrians will see a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have to cross the street.
  • At the end of the flashing countdown, drivers will see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. Drivers may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear; pedestrians waiting to cross will have to push the button to re-activate the system.
  • Motorists traveling on US 95 (Main Street) should be alert for the change in traffic control at the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon that allows pedestrians to stop vehicles traveling in both directions.

The $11 million San Luis Street Improvements Project, which started in October 2014, is slated to be completed by the end of next month.

For more information on the project, visit azdot.gov/sanluisimprovements.

Phoenix and ADOT open Loop 101 interchange at 64th Street

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PHOENIX — The Loop 101 interchange at 64th Street in northeast Phoenix opened to traffic as planned today (May 18) following a city of Phoenix project to construct a new section of 64th Street between Mayo Boulevard and the Pima Freeway.

The Phoenix Street Transportation Department worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation on final preparations before crews opened the Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at 64th Street.

Phoenix activated new traffic signals at 64th Street and Mayo Boulevard last week. Traffic on the 64th Street Bridge is regulated by “all-way” stop signs.

The city’s contractor completed sign installation and lane-striping along eastbound Loop 101 approaching the interchange on Sunday.

The Loop 101 interchange at 64th Street was completed in 2008 as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004. The opening of the on- and off-ramps was contingent upon the city’s plans for constructing 64th Street between the freeway and Mayo Boulevard.

Paving project on Interstate 17 between SR 169 and Middle Verde Road continues

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The Arizona Department of Transportation continues work next week on a project to repave a 12-mile segment of Interstate 17 between State Route 169 and the Middle Verde Road traffic interchange (mileposts 279 to 291).

Crews will be resurfacing the off-and-on ramps at the General Crook Trail traffic interchange Sunday, May 17 through Thursday, May 21 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night.
In order to provide a safe work zone the following restrictions at General Crook Trail have been scheduled:

  • The northbound I-17 off-ramp will be closed on Monday, May 18
  • The northbound on-ramp to I-17 will be closed on Tuesday, May 19
  • The southbound I-17 off-ramp will be closed on Wednesday, May 20
  • The southbound on-ramp to I-17 will be closed on Thursday, May 21
  • Drivers are encouraged to use the next exit as an alternate during work hours

This $7.5 million project consists of the removal of a layer of the existing pavement, repaving the roadway, bridge work and shoulder improvements. Work is expected to be complete by September.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. 

Public Meeting for State Route 260 widening set for May 20 in Camp Verde

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, will host a public information meeting on Wednesday, May 20, in Camp Verde to discuss the upcoming State Route 260 widening project that is slated to begin in spring 2016.

The $62 million safety improvement project in Yavapai County will upgrade a nine-mile segment of SR 260 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane, modern divided highway east of Cottonwood between Thousand Trails Road and the Interstate 17 junction in Camp Verde (mileposts 209-218).

This project is the final step in transforming SR 260 into a continuous four-lane divided highway between the I-17/SR 260 junction and Cottonwood to enhance safety and improve traffic flow for the Greater Verde Valley area, which includes the communities of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, Sedona and Camp Verde.

The project will include the construction of seven full-access roundabout intersections at Thousand Trails Road, Coury Drive, Cherry Creek Road, Horseshoe Bend Drive, Wilshire Road and two new locations to accommodate future traffic demands and meet the forecasted commercial and residential development in the area.

The May 20 meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (presentation starts at 6 p.m.) at the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, 555 Middle Verde Road in Camp Verde. Members of the project team will be available to provide information, answer questions and discuss the project.

Interstate 40 traffic in Ash Fork to be detoured May 11

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Ash-Fork-15-04-23-15ASH FORK — Motorists traveling along Interstate 40 between Kingman and Flagstaff should allow for extra travel time on Monday, May 11 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. as the Arizona Department of Transportation works to cleanup diesel fuel spilled from an earlier crash at the east Ash Fork Bridge (Exit 146), approximately 50 miles west of Flagstaff.

Westbound I-40 will be closed between 9 a.m. to noon, May 11 and traffic will be detoured through the town of Ash Fork.

Eastbound I-40 will be closed between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Traffic will be detoured onto the Exit 146 off ramp and then back on the Exit 146 on ramp.

Law enforcement will be assisting with traffic control during the detour. The speed limit will be reduced and drivers are urged to be alert for construction vehicles and flaggers.