Category Archives: State Government

Arizona DOT launches ‘ADOT Alerts’ free travel app

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PHOENIX – Available now for your mobile device: A free app from the Arizona Department of Transportation that will help you avoid unplanned and lengthy travel delays, and other serious highway hazards.

ADOT Alerts will help keep drivers moving on Arizona’s highways and away from potentially dangerous situations by providing information to drivers before they are trapped on a highway closed because of a crash or severe weather. Using geofencing technology, ADOT will send alerts to mobile devices with the app in affected areas and in advance of roadway decision points, giving the public plenty of time to choose an alternate route or delay their travel plans and avoid sitting in lengthy backups.

“We’re excited about ADOT Alerts because the app will help us quickly get critical information directly to motorists,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “With that information, travelers can make a decision to take a different route or stop somewhere for a bite to eat or stay where they’re at, and avoid sitting in a long backup because of an unplanned event, like a serious crash that closes a highway. We can also alert motorists to public safety issues, like wrong-way vehicles or severe weather affecting state highways.”

ADOT Alerts goes beyond providing daily commuting reports and travel times – ADOT already provides that kind of real-time information to drivers via overhead message boards and social media, not to mention the numerous traffic and navigation apps that also offer that kind of information. By using geofencing, ADOT can send alerts only to mobile devices with the app in an impacted area. That means affected motorists can make a decision to re-route or delay their travel plans long before encountering a traffic backup.

All alerts are sent by a public information officer at ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to ensure they are accurate, critical in nature and appropriately targeted to a geographic area.

To get the most out of ADOT Alerts, enable Location Services and Push Notifications so you can be immediately notified of the most relevant alerts in your area. That way, whenever ADOT sends an alert to an area your mobile device is in, it will pop up on your device’s screen with a distinctive alert sound.

Users do not have to sign up, register or create a log-in to use the app. You remain 100 percent anonymous.

The app can be downloaded free of charge in Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Search for “ADOT Alerts” in the respective app store.

“The introduction of the ADOT Alerts app is one more way ADOT is working to promote highway safety and reduce frustrations for drivers,” Halikowski said. “We want drivers to be informed about issues, knowledgeable about options, and up-to-date on hazards. We hope this app – along with AZ511 and our social media outreach – will prove to be a major advancement in our efforts to connect with drivers.”

More information about the app can be found at ADOTAlerts.com.

ADOT seeks public input on options for US 60 bridge at Pinto Creek

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on options for the US 60 bridge over Pinto Creek, including the agency’s decision to pursue removing and replacing the structure.

Built in 1949, the 637-foot-long Pinto Creek Bridge, located east of the Valley between Superior and Miami, no longer meets minimum standards set by the Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and ADOT’s bridge design guidelines. Though it continues to be safe for traffic, the structure is considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.

In accordance with federal law governing proposed transportation projects involving sites with historic significance, ADOT is seeking public input on possible courses of action for the Pinto Creek Bridge. These are:

  • Building a new bridge and removing the existing bridge, the action that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration have decided to pursue
  • Rehabilitating the existing bridge
  • Building a new bridge and rehabilitating the existing bridge
  • Taking no action

The Arizona Federal Highway Administration office has completed a report, Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation and Approval for FHWA Projects that Necessitate the Use of Historic Bridges, which is posted at azdot.gov/PintoCreekBridge. Comments can be submitted by email to PintoCreek@azdot.gov, by calling the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or by mail to:

ADOT Communications
1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Comments must be received by December 8 to be included in the official project record.

ADOT applies for TIGER grant to expand SR 189 project starting in 2019

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NOGALES ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation has applied for a $25 million federal TIGER grant to allow construction of all proposed improvements to State Route 189 in Nogales at the same time, beginning in 2019.

The $25 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant would go toward construction of a southbound flyover ramp at Interstate 19 in addition to the northbound flyover ramp that’s currently funded, as well as a bridge over Frank Reed Road and other improvements to the 3.75-mile route connecting the Mariposa Port of Entry with I-19.

“ADOT is committed to working creatively with the community to accelerate State Route 189 improvements and better support trade between the U.S. and Mexico,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Seeking this TIGER grant is one way we’re seeking to move forward sooner with all proposed enhancements to a route vital to international commerce and to the community of Nogales.”

ADOT currently has funding for the first phase the project, which includes a flyover ramp connecting northbound SR 189 and northbound I-19, along with other improvements. A $25 million commitment from the Arizona Legislature signed by Governor Doug Ducey allowed ADOT to begin construction in 2019, two years earlier than originally planned.

Funding isn’t currently identified for Phase Two, which would include the southbound flyover ramps and a bridge that would carry SR 189 over Frank Reed Road, which leads to Nogales High School. ADOT, Nogales and Santa Cruz County are coordinating efforts on a partnership that could include funding for the Phase Two work.

By allowing construction of both phases to begin at the same time, the TIGER grant would reduce the estimated cost of the full project from $147 million to $134 million.

A $15 million TIGER grant is helping to fund work on the SR 347 bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Maricopa, which will begin in November. Another TIGER grant of $21.6 million went toward the rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 on Interstate 15 in far northwestern Arizona.

Since 2009, Congress has dedicated nearly $5.1 billion in TIGER grants to fund projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area.

Information sought about cow elk poached in Alpine Valley closure area

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PINETOP, Arizona — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information about a cow elk poached near Alpine in the early morning on Thursday, October 26. The elk was shot in the Alpine Valley closure, south of Luna Lake. There was a legal hunt for cow elk open during this time.

AZGFD officers believe that other hunters in the area may have seen the violation occur.

“Anyone who saw or heard anything that might be related to this unlawful act should call in,” said Officer Aaron Hartzell, an AZGFD field supervisor. “This isn’t the action of a sportsman; it’s a criminal act of stealing wildlife resources from the people of Arizona.”

The department’s Operation Game Thief program encourages anyone with information about such cases or the illegal take of wildlife in Arizona to call its 24/7 hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt.

Anyone reporting information about this case can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward of up to $500. Reward funding comes from donations, court fines and civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes.

Anyone with information about the elk poaching should refer to case #17-4152.

Sandhill cranes winging their way back to Arizona

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McNEAL, Arizona — It happens every year. As if on cue, they pick up and travel thousands of miles from places like Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, and some from as far away as Canada, Alaska and even Siberia.

They are Arizona’s true “snowbirds,” content to spend winter days basking under mild, sunny skies before getting the itch to turn around and head back north sometime in March or early April.

For the past few weeks, sandhill cranes by the thousands have been trumpeting their annual arrival in southeastern Arizona, primarily at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area in the Sulphur Springs Valley – and a lot more of them are on the way.

“We are excited to see the sandhill cranes return for the winter,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “While there are only a few thousand in the area now, their numbers will grow to more than 30,000 before they migrate in the spring.

“The cranes afford wildlife lovers one of Arizona’s greatest wildlife spectacles through visual and sound experiences that most of us will never forget.”

The department’s Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area serves as a roosting and loafing place for the cranes and offers viewing decks and trails from which other migratory birds, such as waterfowl, grassland sparrows and an assortment of raptors, often can be seen. The fields surrounding the Willcox Playa in the vicinity of Kansas Settlement, or farther south near Elfrida and McNeal, also are good places to see cranes. In western Arizona, along the Colorado River south of Ehrenberg, many cranes winter at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.

For those who can’t make the trip to view the raucous birds with long necks, beaks and legs, the department has made it convenient for anyone with an Internet connection to enjoy this thrilling wildlife-watching experience. This marks the third year that a “crane cam” will live stream the wintering habits of the cranes at the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area.

The live stream can be viewed at HERE. It even has audio. The best time to see the birds is about the first hour after sunrise, before they leave the roost to feed for the morning. The cranes usually return later in the morning (before noon) and remain at the wildlife area for the rest of the day. On occasion, the birds will fly out to feed again in the afternoon and return at dusk.

The department will do its best to keep the camera focused on the cranes, but there might be times when that’s not possible due to the unpredictability of wildlife. Viewers who don’t see activity are encouraged to check back on a routine basis.

Follow-Up Discussion of Draft Queen Creek TMDL Report

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SUPERIOR – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) will hold a second public meeting to discuss the draft Queen Creek Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report.

This public meeting will take place on Monday, November 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Superior Town Hall Auditorium 199 North Lobb Avenue Superior, AZ 85173

A TMDL defines the total amount of a particular constituent or pollutant which can be introduced into a water body without causing an exceedance of state surface water quality standards.

The TMDL process enlists the participation of stakeholder groups and other interested parties to assist in identifying possible sources of pollution, to allocate loads of those pollutants in accordance with the objectives of the analysis, and to identify the most reasonable measures that should be implemented in order for the stream to achieve surface water quality standards.

View Draft TMDL, Public Notice & associated documents.

Please direct any questions you have regarding this event to Kyle Palmer, 602-771-4540; Email palmer.kyle@azdeq.gov.

Halloween decorations may attract wildlife

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PHOENIX — Halloween is on the horizon and soon those carefully carved pumpkins sitting outside may be attracting some unwanted trick-or-treaters: hungry wildlife looking for an easy meal.

As such, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds area residents to be aware that Halloween pumpkins and other fall decorations, such as gourds or squash, can attract wildlife when displayed outdoors.

AZGFD recommends that jack-o-lanterns, uncarved pumpkins and cornucopias be displayed indoors on window sills so they can be seen from outside if desired, and discarded securely to help prevent encounters with foraging wildlife.

“Pumpkins and other edible decorations are easy meals for wildlife and often attract javelina, coyotes, deer and even bears,” said Mike Demlong, AZGFD Wildlife Education program manager. “Habituating wildlife to human food sources can lead to conflicts, resulting in potentially serious injuries to people or pets and even property damage. That is why it is important to help keep wildlife wild.”

Additionally, unintentional or intentional feeding can cause problems for wildlife, such as obesity and malnutrition, and promote the spread of disease.

The public is reminded that it is illegal under state law (A.R.S. 13-2927) to feed wildlife in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties, with the exception of birds as well as tree squirrels, which are rare at lower elevations.

Other wildlife may eat bird seed, so birds are best fed only in an enclosed yard, preferably from a bird feeder. A tray can be attached beneath a feeder to catch spillover seed. Seed blocks should be placed in an enclosed area or on a secure raised platform.

For tips on minimizing conflicts with wildlife, see www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.

Interstate 40 ramp restrictions at A-1 Mountain this week

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FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona drivers accessing exit at A-1 Mountain (milepost 191) from Interstate 40 will need an alternate route during the following closures scheduled because of guardrail work. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to allow extra travel time as the nearest interchange—at Bellemont—is 5 miles to the west.

The A-1 Mountain off-ramp from westbound I-40 will be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30.
The A-1 Mountain on-ramp to westbound I-40 will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The A-1 Mountain off-ramp from eastbound I-40 will be closed from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Wednesday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2.

Detour signs will be in place to direct drivers westbound I-40 to Bellemont (milepost 185) and turn around at the Bellemont traffic interchange to access eastbound I-40.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Paving on Interstate 17 near Cordes Junction scheduled next week

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin a paving project next week along a nearly 20-mile section of north- and southbound I-17 north of Phoenix.

Expect delays while traffic is guided through alternating travel lanes and speed is reduced to 55 mph.

Paving is scheduled to occur between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 30, and Tuesday, October 31, between milepost 259 (Crown King Road) and milepost 278 (just south of State Route 169).

Drivers should proceed with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

November 2 is deadline to update credit card information for online spring draw

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds hunters who applied online for 2018 spring hunt permit-tags that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, November 2, is the deadline to update their credit card or debit card account information, as well as purchase PointGuard to protect their bonus points.

Online applicants are responsible for keeping their account information current. If a credit card or debit card is invalid for any reason at the time when the computerized draw is performed, an online application could be rejected.

Online applicants who have been issued a new credit card or debit card, a new expiration date, or had a change to their card’s number should visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/. Scroll down the page, select “Update My Payment Information” and follow the prompts. Note: It is important to update payment information for each species for which an online application has been submitted. If payment has been declined, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer calls applicants to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards have failed.

Meanwhile, applicants can purchase PointGuard, as part of their online application, through 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, November 2. A free AZGFD portal account is required to purchase PointGuard. Visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “My Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create Account” option.

PointGuard is a great way to protect those coveted bonus points for when “life happens.” PointGuard is only $5 per species, per applicant, and ensures if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard/, or call (602) 942-3000, for more information.

Another benefit for those who create a portal account is getting VIP access to draw results up to a week before the results are released to the general public. The department will post an announcement on its website when results become available. All spring hunt permit-tags will be mailed by December 13; all refund warrants will be mailed by December 1.