Category Archives: State Government

Lane restrictions on Interstate 17 tomorrow for pavement work

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will perform routine pavement maintenance on Interstate 17 between New River and the Bloody Basin traffic interchange (mileposts 235 to 258) tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23 between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Motorists should be prepared for alternating lane restrictions and intermittent shoulder closures between mileposts 235 and 258 to provide a safe work zone for maintenance crews. Minimal delays are expected.

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

Maintenance on I-40 just west of Flagstaff scheduled for June 23 and June 24

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists traveling eastbound on I-40 just west of Flagstaff on Tuesday (June 23) and Wednesday (June 24) should allow for extra travel time and potential delays as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) performs maintenance work from milepost 185 to 190. The work will be conducted during daylight hours and will require closure of the travel lane during operations.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

State Transportation Board approves Five-Year Construction Program

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PHOENIX — Projects to improve Arizona’s highway system through expansion, preservation and modernization were formally approved today to move forward as part of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual five-year planning process.

Funding for the Five-Year Program is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, and the vehicle license tax.

Today the State Transportation Board met in Pinetop-Lakeside and voted to adopt the 2016-2020 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. The board’s action determines which projectsdi are now programmed in Greater Arizona, the Maricopa County region and the Pima County region. The process to finalize these projects began in March with a call to the public, stakeholders and local governments to comment online or during three public hearings.

“ADOT and its partners are striving to reduce fatalities, increase mobility and improve the economy by balancing infrastructure needs all while using a funding source that continues to erode due to inflation, fuel economy and alternative fuels,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “While fuel economy and alternatives to gasoline are good for the consumer and the environment, necessary expansion and maintenance of our transportation infrastructure is not keeping pace with needs. Appropriate investment is necessary for expansion and maintenance of our infrastructure, not only for safety and efficiency, but also to compete in today’s global economy.”

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the newly adopted 2016-2020 Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system while moving some high-priority expansion projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to continued low revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. ADOT’s continued focus on preservation allows the department to protect its investment of $19.7 billion in the state highway system. Without a commitment to preservation, it would cost approximately $200 billion to replace the system.

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions in the two metropolitan areas have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place and for more transportation funding overall.

The following is a list of major projects for Greater Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) region and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) region during the 2016-2020 Five-Year Program. This list provides an overview and does not include all projects in the Five-Year Program.

  • State Route 260, Interstate 17 to Thousand Trails: This widening project totals $62 million ($52 million will be allocated in FY 2016 for construction, while $10 million was programmed in FY 2015 for right of way). The project, which is scheduled to begin construction in spring 2016, will upgrade a nine-mile segment of SR 260 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane, modern divided highway between Thousand Trails Road and the Interstate 17 junction in Camp Verde, east of Cottonwood. The 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.
  • State Route 347 Railroad Overpass: This estimated $55 million bridge project is intended to alleviate traffic backups at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing in Pinal County by replacing the existing at-grade intersection with an overpass on SR 347, so vehicle and train traffic do not impede one another. SR 347 is the only direct route between the city of Maricopa and metro Phoenix. The funding for this project is allocated in phases. ADOT has an agreement with the city of Maricopa for the city to contribute a total of $8 million to this project.

FY 2016: $5.5 million allocated for right of way

FY 2017: $7.3 million allocated for right of way

FY 2020: $36.2 million allocated for construction

In FY 2015,$6 million was allocated for project development.

  • State Route 189, Nogales to Interstate 19: Total project cost is currently estimated at $70 million. ADOT is planning these improvements along SR 189 to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico at the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest land ports in the United States. Even though it is one of the shortest highways in the state, SR 189 has a huge impact on trade in this region.

FY 2016: $2 million allocated for preliminary engineering

FY 2018: $4 million allocated for design work

FY 2021: $64 million is anticipated to be available for construction (note that this portion of the project is in the 2021-2025 Development Program)

  • State Route 89, State Route 89A to Deep Well Ranch Road: $15 million allocated in FY 2017 for a corridor widening project that will improve capacity, operations and safety. The roadway will be widened from two lanes to four lanes.
  • US 60, Show Low to 40th Street: $6 million allocated in FY 2018 for this project, which will add turn lanes, widen the roadway and construct intersection improvements.
  • US 93, Cane Springs section: $5 million allocated in FY 2019 for project design work on this widening project that is part of ADOT’s commitment to convert all of US 93 to a modern, four-lane divided highway. In FY 2024, $31 million is anticipated to be available for construction (note that this portion of the project is in the 2021-2025 Development Program).
  • Interstate 15, Bridge No. 1: $2.5 million allocated in FY 2017 for design and $33 million allocated in FY 2019 for bridge replacement.
  • Interstate 10, Ina Road traffic interchange: $85 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2017. This project entails a full reconstruction of the Ina Road traffic interchange. Interstate 10 currently passes over Ina Road, and with this project, Ina Road will become elevated and pass over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad. The existing frontage roads and ramps will also require reconstruction.
  • Interstate 10, Houghton Road traffic interchange: $41 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2019 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 10, Ruthrauff Road traffic interchange: $104 million allocated from FY 2017 to FY 2018 for this reconstruction project.
  • Interstate 10, Country Club Road traffic interchange: $71 million allocated from FY 2018 to FY 2020 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 19, Ajo Way traffic interchange: $22 million allocated in FY 2018 for Phase II of this reconstruction project.
  • South Mountain Freeway: $1.48 billion allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2020 for construction, which is expected to begin in early 2016.
  • Loop 303, I-10 interchange: $83 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2019 for Phase II of the Loop 303 project, which will extend Loop 303 south of I-10 in Goodyear.
  • Interstate 10, 32nd Street near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in Chandler: $303 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2020 for widening and other improvements to I-10. This project includes improvements at the Broadway Curve to help traffic flow more efficiently through this section of the Maricopa Freeway.

The Five-Year Program serves as a blueprint for future projects and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for those projects. It is updated annually. Each program begins with a long-range visioning process, moves into a more realistic 20-year plan and finally yields each Five-Year Program. The program is developed by working closely with local planning organizations and community leaders to identify ready-to-construct or design projects.

Florence AZPDES renewal permit

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PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) RENEWAL PERMIT

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to renew an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No.15-64                      Published on June 18, 2015
Published in Florence Reminder

AZPDES Permit No. AZ0025208
Town of Florence- South Wastewater Treatment Plant
P.O. Box 2670
Florence, AZ 85232

The Town of Florence applied for renewal of an AZPDES permit for the proposed discharge of up to 2.5 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated domestic wastewater from the Town of Florence South Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Gila River in the Middle Gila River Basin in Township 4 S, Range 9 E, Section 34, in Pinal County, Arizona. The Town of Florence South Wastewater Treatment Plant is a publicly owned treatment works that receives domestic wastewater from residential and commercial sources in the town of Florence and the Florence Prison System. Sludge is treated in sludge digesters, then pumped to a belt press and disposed of at the Apache Junction Landfill Corporation in Pinal County. The WWTP also receives and treats sludge from the North Florence WWTP.

The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/cgi-bin/vertical.pl by typing the permit number in the box left of “Search Event”. The public notice and related documentation also are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. In Phoenix, please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail recordscenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file.

Persons may submit comments or request a public hearing on the proposed action in writing, to Richard Mendolia, Water Permits Section, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 1110 W. Washington St., 5415B-3, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. All written comments received by ADEQ by the close of business on the date 30 days after publication of this notice will be considered in the final permit decision. A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with A.A.C. R18-9-908(B).

US 60 passing lane project east of Superior starts this week

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The first of a series of planned improvement projects along US 60 between Superior and Globe will start Wednesday, June 17, when the Arizona Department of Transportation begins work to construct a new passing lane from Devils Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233), along with other improvements.

When completed, this $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.

There will be minimal impacts to the traveling public during this initial phase of the project prior to Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Construction of the passing lane and some shoulder widening will require US 60 to be closed during blasting, which will start after the Independence Day holiday weekend.

The project will include the following:

  • Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
  • Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (milepost 233-234)
  • Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
  • Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242 just west of Miami)

Work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Work crews may also be working at night during different phases of the construction. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2016.

Removing several areas of rock embankment will require blasting during the project. The first phase of blasting is being planned for the week after the Fourth of July holiday weekend during morning hours around 9 a.m. The exact day has not been determined. Blasting will occur about every five to seven days in a five-month period until it is completed. Closures during the initial blasts may be up to three hours. As blasting continues there will be a lesser impact on traffic and delays will be reduced.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project. Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

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.

ADEQ Awards $48,500 Brownfields Grant to Town of Wellton

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today a $48,500 brownfields grant to the Town of Wellton to remove asbestos and hydraulic hoists from a town-owned building located at 28789 Los Angeles Ave. in Yuma County.

Brownfields are properties with active redevelopment potential hindered by known or perceived environmental contamination.

Formerly a gas station, the town currently uses the 1.6-acre property as a storage facility. The asbestos abatement and hydraulic hoist removal will prepare the property for development of a municipal complex to include the town hall and council chambers and the public safety department.

Town of Wellton Public Works Director Joe Grant shared, “We value ADEQ’s brownfields expertise and assistance in helping us reach our beautification goals for our downtown area.” Grant added, “The first grant we received last year identified what cleanup work needed to be done; this second grant will fund the actual cleanup work.”

“Recovering blighted properties by administering non-competitive grants through ADEQ’s brownfields program is just one way we accomplish environmentally responsible economic growth in our state,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said. “Our staff works diligently with grant applicants to create customized solutions that maximize program benefits for each community’s unique needs.”

ADEQ’s brownfields grant program is funded through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Resource Recovery Act (CERCLA). Since it began in 2003, our brownfields grant program has funded more than 50 projects assisting local governments and nonprofits in completing environmental assessments and cleanup. For more information about the program, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/cleanup/brownfields.html or contact ADEQ Brownfields Coordinator Jennie Curé at jec@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-2296.

ADEQ Hosts Free Environmental Roadshows in Bisbee and Benson

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today that they and partners ADOT Adopt a Highway Volunteer Programs and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows” in Cochise County:

  1. Tuesday, June 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Bisbee City Hall – Council Chambers, 118 Arizona St., Bisbee
  2. Wednesday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Benson City Hall – Council Chambers, 120 W. Sixth St., Benson.

ADEQ encourages community members, business people, public officials, and school representatives in Bisbee, Benson and the surrounding area to attend these free events.

ADEQ staff will discuss potential recycling funding opportunities, future electronic waste recycling events, food recovery program, and brownfields grants. Adopt a Highway officials will talk about the process for volunteers to adopt sections of Arizona highways for litter cleanup. KAZB officials will discuss their statewide litter prevention and beautification programs. Representatives of each agency will give brief presentations, engage attendees in an open dialogue and answer questions during the two-hour event.

“Bisbee recycled 442 tons of waste materials in 2014 using 100 convenient drop-off locations,” said ADEQ Recycling Coordinator J.B. Shaw. “ADEQ hopes that Bisbee’s successful program, which started with one of our recycling grants, will inspire nearby communities to provide customized recycling opportunities that benefit their citizens.”

“ADEQ’s governmental and non-profit partnerships, like our state-wide roadshow series, provide environmental education and raise awareness by matching available resources with specific needs of our communities,” said ADEQ Director Henry Darwin.

Contacts:

ADEQ Recycling Coordinator J.B. Shaw at shaw.joseph@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-5613
ADEQ Brownfields Coordinator Jennie Curé at jec@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-2296
KAZB Executive Director Jill Bernstein at executivedirector@kazb.org or (602) 651-1227
ADOT Adopt a Highway Programs Patricia Powers-Zermeño at ppowers-zermeno@azdot.gov or (602) 712-4620

Road construction starting on I-40 through Winslow June 15

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WINSLOW — The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a road improvement project on Monday, June 15 to resurface eight-teen miles of Interstate 40 through the city of Winslow (milepost 250-268).

The $9.3 million project will include removing and replacing the existing asphalt eastbound and westbound, removing and replacing the State Route 87 bridge deck, which crosses I-40, and installing new guardrail. The majority of the paving on the project is anticipated to be completed by late September. The bridge deck replacement will be completed late December. The final finishing layer of asphalt may need to be completed next spring 2016.

During paving operations the following interchanges on I-40 will be affected; Hipkoe Drive, North Park Drive, Transcon Lane and State Route 87. Workers will work on one interchange at a time. Motorists will need to travel to the next interchange, east or west of the one being worked on, to exit or enter the interstate. During construction of the SR 87 bridge deck, north bound traffic will remain open during the entire project while southbound traffic will be diverted to the Transcon interchange.

Work hours will be 2 a.m. to sunset Monday through Friday. There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zones. Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for detour signs and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Paving to resume on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF — Final paving work for the US 180 project will resume next week due to unseasonably cool and wet weather which halted paving. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will resume paving along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).

The paving work will occur daily, Monday (June 15) through Friday (June 19), between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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 west of Flagstaff as an alternate route.

Lane restrictions on Country Club Drive overpass to Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to begin on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF — Lane restrictions to accommodate construction of connecting portion of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System

Beginning on Monday (June 15) travel on Country Club Drive at Interstate 40 (I-40) will be reduced to a single lane of travel in both directions as construction begins on a connecting segment of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). The FUTS construction will install a multi-use path adjacent to Country Club Drive and connect two existing parts of the FUTS on either side of the overpass.

The reduced lane restriction is scheduled to begin on Monday (June 15) at 6 a.m. and be in place continuously until early July while work is underway.

During construction of this portion of the FUTS, the westbound exit ramp and eastbound entrance ramp to I-40 will be maintained at all times. Access to adjacent properties will also be maintained at all times.