Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.
The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require one full closure of US 60 for up to 90 minutes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235) until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.
Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.
Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.
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.
There are three more concerts scheduled on Sunday December 6, 13 and 20 beginning at 4 p.m. at St. John’s at 202 W. Grant next to the Christmas tree. The upcoming entertainment includes the Andrew Hamby Family, the Choirs of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church along with the choir from St. John’s, and flutist Anthony Flesch with guitarist Joel Rieck.
WILLIAMS — The cold may have caused many to stay home for the Parade of Lights and tree lighting this year. The crowd that came, however, did not have cold spirits. Some attendees even came lit up themselves, this year.
The air was bitter cold, this year, for the ceremonial tree lighting and Parade of Lights in Williams. Most of the crowd appeared after 6 p.m. to find spaces to view the parade. Some in the parade reported that there were many empty spaces, however, over previous years. Which is really too bad since the parade this year was better than last year.
