Category Archives: Arizona Department of Transportation

ADOT recommends drivers be prepared for winter driving conditions

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A major winter storm is forecast to push through Arizona and the Arizona Department of Transportation wants drivers traveling in the high country to be prepared.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains and high deserts throughout northern and eastern Arizona. Snow levels may be as low as 2,000 feet. Rain is expected in the lower elevations.

ADOT crews have been preparing for the storm and will be working 24/7 to keep roads clear. Maintenance crews are checking the snowplows and making sure they are stocked with de-icing products. Additional snowplow drivers have been sent to areas expecting significant snowfall, like Flagstaff and Williams.

Drivers should plan ahead and be very cautious if planning to travel to the high country when the storm arrives. ADOT recommends drivers wait until conditions improve before traveling.

More safety tips for drivers:

  • Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution around snowplows.
  • Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
  • When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back!
  • Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
  • Maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas.
  • Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
  • Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
  • Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
  • Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
  • Carry plenty of food and water, and all necessary medications.
  • Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.
  • Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Southbound Interstate 17 north of Rock Springs closed for up to 20 minutes on Wednesday

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Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 17 on Wednesday morning, Dec. 17 need to be are aware of a brief closure scheduled between Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road that allow crews to remove rock fall debris along the shoulders of the highway, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A five-mile segment (mileposts 237 to 242) of southbound I-17 will be closed for up to 20 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. to provide a safe work zone for crews to remove debris from the roadway. Motorists are urged to plan accordingly or allow extra travel time. Northbound traffic will not be affected.

In addition to the full southbound closure, a right lane closure will be in place between 8:30 a.m. and noon between mileposts 237-238 for shoulder clean up. Minimal delays expected.

The speed limit through the work zones will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.

Lane restriction on SR 64 north of Williams required for gas pipeline repair work

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WILLIAMS – Restrictions will be in place for a one-mile segment of SR 64 north of Williams for both north- and southbound travel to accommodate emergency repairs on a gas line which runs under the roadway from MP 188 to 189.

The work will be conducted during daylight hours beginning Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 a.m., continuing through the weekend, and is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec 19. The repair work will be performed by El Paso Gas.

During repairs, traffic will be reduced to one lane for both north- and southbound travel with access maintained for both directions. The lane reductions will be in place for both day- and night time travel until the project has been completed. There may be delays through the project area so please allow for extra travel time, and drive with caution in the project vicinity.

Night work resumes on roundabout on US 93 at Wickenburg Ranch

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Overnight work will resume tomorrow and Thursday, Dec. 10 and 11 on US 93 north of Wickenburg as part of the new roundabout being constructed by the Wickenburg Ranch development.

The north side of the roundabout has been completed and northbound traffic on US 93 will be shifted to the right so crews can continue building the rest of the roundabout.

Drivers can expect intermittent single-lane restrictions between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. during work hours. Flaggers will direct traffic in alternating directions using the single lane that is open and with delays of up to 15 minutes. During nighttime work hours, a 12-foot width restriction will be in effect.

To maximize resources and complete the project quickly, crews are working seven days a week with day and night work for the next three months. Work hours during the day are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a 14-foot width restriction is in place.

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.

Traffic shift expected tomorrow on southbound SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley

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Southbound traffic on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley will be shifted into the new roundabout at Deep Well Ranch Road starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 10 according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

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.

Utility work on State Route 89 in Chino Valley scheduled tomorrow

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State Route 89 in Chino Valley at Road 4 North (milepost 330) will be closed for up to 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The closure will provide a safe work zone as crews place overhead utility lines across the roadway.

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. Law enforcement personnel will be present to enforce the closures as they occur.

Traffic to switch to new alignment on US 89 in conjunction with opening of new roundabout at the US 89/SR 64 junction north of Flagstaff

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will be switching traffic for both north- and southbound travel on US 89 in Cameron during the morning hours on Tuesday, Dec. 2, to allow for construction to continue on the roadway and bridge project currently underway.

Traffic will be diverted onto the new alignment directly adjacent to the existing US 89 through the community of Cameron, approximately 50 miles north of Flagstaff. In addition to switching traffic to the new alignment, the recently completed roundabout at the US 89/State Route 64 junction will also be opened.

These improvements are part of a project which includes widening US 89 to two lanes in each direction between SR 64 and the Little Colorado River, replacement of the existing US 89 Cameron truss bridge and installation of a roundabout, with new lighting and pedestrian facilities throughout the project area. Travel will continue on the existing bridge while the new bridge is being constructed. The roadway and bridge improvement project is expected to be completed in fall 2016.

Traffic delays may occur during construction with traffic reduced to one lane. There will be directional signage and flaggers present during construction. ADOT advises motorists to be alert for construction equipment and personnel, and to proceed through the work zone with caution.

No state highway closures over Thanksgiving weekend

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In an effort to help holiday travelers and promote safety, the Arizona Department of Transportation says no construction closures are scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways or state highways over the Thanksgiving weekend. No closures will be scheduled between Wednesday afternoon and early Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Drivers who have plans to travel over the weekend are urged to focus on safety. ADOT and its contractors will hold off on work requiring closures as the busy holiday travel season gets underway. Motorists should focus on staying alert and obeying speed limits, especially in areas where existing work zones are in place.

Last year, 13 people were killed in a total of 10 fatal crashes along Arizona highways and local roads over the Thanksgiving weekend. Three of those fatal crashes were alcohol-related. ADOT, the Department of Public Safety and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety ask motorists to follow these safe-driving tips:

  • Get a good night’s rest before heading out on a trip.
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, fluid levels and the condition of engine belts.
  • Buckle up and double-check child safety seats.
  • Never drive while impaired. Arrange for a designated driver ahead of time.
  • Obey speed limits, be patient and avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving.
  • Be prepared for unscheduled closures due to accidents. Have an emergency preparedness kit that includes extra clothes, blankets, flashlights, snack foods and drinking water.

ADOT also teams up with DPS and the Black Canyon City and Daisy Mountain fire departments to focus on emergency response efforts along Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, especially when heavier traffic is expected on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. ADOT will position vehicles and equipment in the Anthem and Cordes Junction areas to allow crews to quickly respond to crashes or disabled vehicles and reopen the highway in the event of closures or lane restrictions.

For the latest highway conditions across Arizona, travelers can visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 511 (outside Arizona call 1-888-411-ROAD). ADOT’s public information line for state highway conditions is 602-712-6513. You can also track closures and other highway conditions at Twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.

Additional information about winter driving and items to include in an emergency preparedness kit can be found at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

State Route 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon closing for winter season

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park for the winter season beginning Monday, Dec. 1.

The road could be closed earlier if heavy snowfall occurs in the area prior to the closure date. ADOT does not clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since the visitor accommodations at the North Rim are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A will remain open at the junction with SR 67.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Be prepared for winter driving by checking for weather conditions prior to your travels on Arizona roadways.

Work continues on State Route 87 north of Sunflower

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Crews continue to make progress on a safety improvement project on State Route 87 between Payson and Phoenix, approximately seven miles north of Sunflower. For the next two months, drivers need to be aware of daytime and nighttime restrictions between mileposts 221 and 228.

Northbound traffic on SR 87 will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in effect until project completion in mid-May 2015.

In addition, northbound SR 87 will be closed through the work zone between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday night through Friday mornings for the next two months. Northbound drivers will be shifted to southbound SR 87, which will become a two-way roadway with one lane in each direction. Drivers will be guided through the work zone with the aid of a pilot car with delays of up to 30 minutes.

Some intermittent lane restrictions are possible on southbound SR 87 during daytime work hours. Minimal delays expected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destinations. 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.