Tag Archives: ADOT

No highway construction closures during Independence Day weekend

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PHOENIX – During the Independence Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur.

Motorists will play key roles in keeping traffic moving, too, by making smart driving decisions that won’t result in serious crashes that ruin road trips and create travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through late Tuesday evening. Drivers are urged to use caution over the holiday weekend in existing work zones and in three “holiday travel corridors” that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays.

In an effort to reduce crashes and delays that result from speeding and driver inattention, speed limits will be lowered during peak holiday travel periods on a winding stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.

ADOT will reduce speed limits by 10 mph Friday, June 30, on northbound I-17 between New River and Sunset Point Rest Area. Speed limits on the same stretch of southbound I-17 will be reduced by 10 mph on Tuesday, July 4.

Temporary signs will advise drivers of the lower speed limits. For example, areas where the speed limit is ordinarily 65 mph will have a speed limit of 55 mph. Throughout the long weekend, temporary electronic signs will remind drivers how fast they are going.

By obeying speed limits, driving safely and not allowing impaired persons behind the wheel, travelers can reduce the chance of serious crashes that often create long travel delays and close highways. In 2016, 14 fatal crashes occurred during the holiday weekend – alcohol played a role in eight – that killed 16 people.

As they have during recent major holiday weekends, ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones: Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Along those routes, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, to minimize travel delays with faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles.

DPS will focus on preventing three leading causes of traffic deaths: speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat-belt use. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, police officers and deputy sheriffs on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign.

No closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, but travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place. This includes a 30-mile stretch of I-40 east of Kingman and I-40 near Twin Arrows.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, drivers are encouraged to:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks.
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible.
  • Get plenty of rest before driving.
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels.

As summer temperatures soar, so does the potential of brush fires and wildfires occurring. Travelers can minimize the risk of fires along Arizona roads by not parking or driving in dry, tall grass; making sure trailer chains are secured and not dragging and emitting sparks; and never throwing cigarettes out the window.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

Firefighters Make a Big Stride in Boundary Fire Containment

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WILLIAMS – Monday afternoon, forecasted isolated thunderstorms brought gusty winds and light precipitation to the Boundary Fire. Crews made a big stride today securing private property parcels and fire lines which increased containment from 18% to 30%. Cloud cover and increased relative humidity allowed fire to move along the ground, promoting healthy consumption of dead and down fuel returning nutrients to the soil.

In the morning, minimal but noticeable smoke may impact the following communities of Flagstaff, Baderville, Tuba City, Cameron, Timberline/Doney Park, and Bellemont. Smoke will disperse east of Flagstaff towards Leupp and hazy smoke will be drifting near Doney Park and Timberline as temperatures increase throughout the day. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit www.azdeq.gov.

Smoke will continue to impact US 180, especially at night. US 180 has reopened north of Flagstaff between mileposts 236 and 248 after visibility along the highway has increased due to reduced smoke impact from the Boundary Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Though the road is open for travel, there will be lower speed limits through the affected area as firefighting operations continue and personnel and equipment enter and exit the highway. While the smoke impact has lessened enough to safely reopen US 180, ADOT personnel will continue to monitor visibility conditions along the highway.

US 89 remains open and may see light smoke impacts during the day. Interstate 40 may experience impacts in the evening and at night. The forest service advises drivers slow down and use caution when driving through these areas.

Route 66 license plate named tops in the nation

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PHOENIX – “Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona… Kingman…” Arizona figures prominently in the lyrics to the iconic pop song celebrating the highway known as the “Mother Road.” Now Arizona gets even more attention because the new Route 66 specialty license plate has been named the Best New License Plate in the U.S.

The honor, which will be formally recognized at a 1:30 p.m. ceremony Thursday, May 25, at the northwest corner of Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, comes from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA).

ALPCA has given the award since 1970. ALPCA members worldwide vote based on the overall attractiveness of the plate design and its legibility as a tool for public safety and law enforcement. This is the third time for Arizona to win this award. The general issue plate introduced in 1996 and the Centennial plate introduced in 2011 also received Best Plate Awards.

ALPCA’s President Cyndi McCabe stated, “I’m delighted to announce that the state of Arizona is this year’s recipient of ALPCA’s Best Plate Award for their historic Route 66 specialty license plate. The plate’s visually appealing retro design particularly resonated with our members for its tribute to the legendary Mother Road.”

The Route 66 plate was introduced in late 2016 and has been a strong seller among specialty plates. As of the end of April, more than 3,000 had been sold, and more than $51,000 had been raised to support preservation efforts for the highway that crosses iconic northern Arizona landscapes and historic communities.

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said, “Route 66 carried more than cars, it carried peoples’ lives and millions of their stories. Even though its use as a major highway ended long ago, its ability to be an inspiration endures. We’re honored to be part of the effort to preserve this historic roadway by offering this award-winning plate.”

Sunset Point rest area will be open, but without services, May 24

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Restroom and vending services at the Sunset Point rest area on Interstate 17 will be closed on Wednesday, May 24, so Arizona Department of Transportation crews can make needed electrical upgrades.

The rest area, located about 50 miles north of Phoenix, will remain open for drivers who want to stretch their legs, check mobile devices or exercise their pets, but there will be no vending or restroom services from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Work is scheduled to continue on Thursday, May 25, but services are expected to be available. Drivers should watch for ADOT personnel and equipment.

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.

Overnight lane restrictions planned on Interstate 17 for guardrail repairs

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Drivers who use Interstate 17 between Maricopa and Yavapai counties should plan for overnight and early morning lane restrictions through early Wednesday. Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to make guardrail repairs along I-17 near New River, Bumblebee and Crown King roads and State Route 169.

Slow down, watch for workers and equipment and be prepared to merge carefully into the open travel lane while the following restrictions are in place:

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane in New River from milepost 233 to milepost 234 from 7 to 11 p.m. Monday, May 22.

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between mileposts 244 and 247 (near Bumblebee Road) from 11 p.m. Monday, May 22, to 2 a.m. Tuesday, May 23.

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between mileposts 251 and 248 (near Crown King Road) from 2 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, May 23.

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between milepost 278 and 276 (south of State Route 169) from 5 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, May 23.

Allow extra travel time on State Route 260 east of Cottonwood next week

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Motorists traveling on State Route 260 should allow extra time while surface sealant is applied on two miles of the highway east of Cottonwood. Work will occur between mileposts 209 and 211 on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23, during daylight hours.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car guiding alternating traffic through the work zone. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes; observe reduced speed limits; and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

Lane closure on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF – Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff will be narrowed to one lane from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, for paving. Work is scheduled to occur between mileposts 340 and 338.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Add time for travel to Page on US 89 Wednesday and Thursday

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PAGE – Motorists traveling on US 89 to Page should allow extra time while surface sealant is applied on a nine-mile segment of the roadway just south of Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Work will occur between mileposts 537 and 546 during daylight hours Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car guiding alternating traffic through the work zone. Drivers should observe reduced speed limits and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

ADOT seeks input on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on proposed goals for the percentage value of federal-aid contract dollars won by firms certified for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

In an update required every three years, ADOT is proposing that 9.55 percent of total dollars in contracts funded by the Federal Highway Administration go to DBE firms during fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The agency anticipates that 5 percent will be achieved through small-business programs and other efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender, and that 4.55 percent will be achieved through contract goals.

ADOT’s current DBE goal for Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts is 8.9 percent, and the agency has exceeded that goal during the past two fiscal years.

The proposed goal, which will be submitted this summer to the Federal Highway Administration and go into effect Oct. 1, stems from a recently completed draft DBE Availability Study that also sets goals for DBE participation in Federal Aviation Administration contracts from fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 and Federal Transit Administration contracts from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2022.

For Federal Aviation Administration-funded contracts, ADOT has proposed an overall DBE goal of 8.05 percent, to be achieved through efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender. For Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts, ADOT’s preliminary DBE goal of 2.79 percent, to be achieved through efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender, will be re-examined prior to submission to that agency in 2019.

ADOT offers several ways for business representatives and other interested stakeholders to provide input on these proposed goals and the draft DBE Availability Study, and to offer suggestions for improving contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses.

ADOT has scheduled the following public hearings:

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road, Tucson
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 15, at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, Phoenix

At any time during the public comment period, which begins Monday, May 15, and lasts through Thursday, June 22, the public also can provide comments through:

  • Online: ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, azdot.gov/BECO
  • Email: info@keenindependent.com
  • Mail: ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St. , Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85007
  • Fax: 602-712-8429

During the public comment period, all documents related to the proposed goals and the draft DBE Availability Study are available for review during regular business hours at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, in Phoenix.

All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration.

Phoenix to host final public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

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Now is the time to comment on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s recommended plan for the next five years of construction projects.

ADOT is getting ready to hold its third and final public hearing this week on the 2018-2022 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. Comments can be submitted online as well through May 30.

This comment period helps ADOT and the State Transportation Board, which reviews and approves the program, learn which highway projects are most important to members of the public and communities statewide.

The third public hearing for the Tentative Five-Year Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, May 19, in the ADOT Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave. in Phoenix. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Tentative Five-Year Program outlines proposed projects and improvements to the state highway system over the next five years. The program is updated annually and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for projects for highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Many of the major projects in this Tentative Program focus on improving some of Arizona’s busiest corridors. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel for everyone. Improved roads also enhance freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development, all of which benefit the quality of life statewide.

ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21 billion investment in the state highway system through dedicated preservation funding. This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260 million per year for preservation. Projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges and projects to extend the life of existing pavement all help to preserve the highway system and keep it functioning as it should.

The complete report of all proposed projects is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until 5 p.m. on May 30.

The public comment period for the 2018-2022 Tentative Program began on March 17. It includes public hearings in Tucson (March 17), Flagstaff (April 21) and Phoenix (May 19). The State Transportation Board is expected to make its final decision on June 16 at its meeting in Payson about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

The Tentative Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/FiveYearPlan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey at surveymonkey.com/r/M36583J, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 855.712.8530.

Visit the Tentative Five-Year Program website at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan for more information.