Tag Archives: ADOT

ATV use on highway shoulders illegal, unsafe

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PHOENIX – While all-terrain vehicles are a popular way to explore off-road areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation reminds ATV riders it is illegal and unsafe to drive these vehicles along state roadways.

The shoulders of state highways are only to be used only for emergencies, not for joyrides.

ATV users create many hazards when they drive on shoulders. At a minimum, they are a distraction to passenger and commercial traffic on the highway. At driveways and on sharp curves, they can surprise other drivers and lead to near-misses or crashes. And on unpaved shoulders, ATV riders can kick up dust that blinds drivers who are traveling at highway speeds.

ATV use also damages the areas along highways. The vehicles destroy vegetation and erode unpaved areas, which can cause steep drop-offs at the edge of pavement and at driveways. When enough damage occurs, ADOT maintenance crews are needlessly diverted from other important functions as they work to repair damage from off-road vehicles.

The problem applies no matter where ATV riders are improperly using highway shoulders, but the issue is more pronounced in certain areas. This includes State Route 188 in the Tonto Basin, where curves and elevation changes only make the problem more pronounced. Also northwest of Wickenburg, heavy ATV use is an issue along SR 89 between US 93 and SR 71.

ADOT reminds off-road vehicle operators they can be cited for illegal use of highway shoulders, including for damage to state or private land.

I-40 lane restrictions at Leupp Road starting June 2

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel restrictions on Interstate 40 at Leupp Road starting Wednesday, June 2, as rehabilitation work is performed on the Leupp Bridge.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2; Thursday, June 3; Monday, June 7; and Tuesday, June 8:

  • East- and westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of travel in each direction.
  • A vehicle width limit of 15 feet will be in place. Wider loads can be accommodated with advance notice.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.

The Leupp Bridge is located about 50 miles east of Flagstaff. The bridge project is part of a $275 million investment ADOT has made to the I-40 corridor over the last five years. This includes improvements to 90 miles of roadway and 35 bridges.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff June 1 – 4

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews continue pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, to the morning of Friday, June 4:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in work areas between the junction with I-17 (milepost 195) and Country Club Drive (milepost 201).
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

For more information, visit the project webpage: azdot.gov/I40WalnutCanyonRd

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.

ADOT: Drivers should focus on safety for Memorial Day road trips

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PHOENIX – Drivers who are planning road trips over the Memorial Day weekend should prepare ahead of time for hot weather in areas, stay alert and bring along essential items in case of an unscheduled stop in traffic.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 28, through Monday night, May 31, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

Drivers should allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, and be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

While no full construction closures are scheduled over the three-day weekend, drivers should prepare to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Motorists also should pack extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone and charger, healthy snacks, baby diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget an adequate amount of prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

  • Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
  • Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
  • Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
  • Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
  • Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a highway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff May 27-28

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews begin pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur from 8 p.m. Thursday, May 27, to 5 a.m. Friday, May 28:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane at the junction with I-17 between mileposts 195 and 196.
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.

ADOT MVD offers tips for identifying scam texts, shady websites

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PHOENIX – Robocalls. Scammy text messages. Shady websites.

When it comes to doing business with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, ignore all unsolicited communications and avoid online search engines. Instead, go straight to the source at AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. These are legitimate MVD websites and the only ones customers should conduct personal MVD business on.

Over the past several months, customers have made ADOT aware of text messages they’ve received that claim the customer owes the “DMV” money or some other nonsense. Spoiler alert: These customers don’t owe what the text claims and these texts are a scam.

Pro tip: Any text, email or phone call that uses “DMV” instead of “MVD” is a clear give-away that a scam is afoot.

When it comes to searching for information about renewing vehicle registration, getting an Arizona driver license, taking the instruction permit test or dozens of other MVD services, always go to ADOT’s official websites: azdot.gov, AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. Don’t let a search engine steer you to a different site.

While many of those “DMV” websites are legal, they don’t have the customer’s best interest in mind because they charge for information that is freely available at azdot.gov, like the Arizona Driver License Manual and practice tests.

Remember, the only ADOT websites customers should conduct personal MVD business on are AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.

Roadway restrictions at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road start April 1

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for daytime restrictions starting Thursday, April 1, at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road, about 30 miles east of Flagstaff, as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place:

  • Meteor Crater Road will be closed between the I-40 on- and off-ramps from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Monday, April 5. Drivers should use the following detour routes while the restrictions are in place:
    • Detour from westbound I-40 to southbound Meteor Crater Road: Exit at Two Guns Road and then re-enter the highway traveling eastbound and exit at Meteor Crater Road.
    • Detour from northbound Meteor Crater Road to westbound I-40: Drive eastbound on I-40 and exit at Meteor City Road. Re-enter the highway and proceed westbound on I-40.
  • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of traffic in both directions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Friday, April 2.
    • The work-zone restrictions will be from milepost 232 to 233.
    • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.

Traffic shifts on Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff to begin April 12 through May 14

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists who use Historic Route 66 (B40) in Flagstaff to expect traffic shifts as crews construct drilling shafts for the Rio De Flag Bridge Replacement project. The work, which is currently underway, is scheduled through Friday, May 14.

Friday, April 2 through Monday, April 12

  • Historic Route 66/ State Route 40B will be opened to normal traffic operation with the exception of intermittent westbound right-lane closures.

The following traffic shift will occur from Monday, April 12, until Friday, April 30:

  • The east- and westbound travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the south side of the roadway.
  • The left-turn lane to northbound US 180 and Sitgreaves Street/Santa Fe Avenue will be closed.

The following traffic shift will occur from Friday, April 30, until Friday, May 14:

  • The east- and westbound travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the north side of the roadway.
  • The left-turn lane to northbound US 180 and Sitgreaves Street/Santa Fe Avenue will be closed.

In addition, the following restrictions will be in place through May 14:

  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph between Butler Avenue and Beaver Street.
  • A 12-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.

During the traffic shift, eastbound Historic Route 66 to northbound US 180 (Humphreys Street) traffic will be detoured to east Butler Avenue to north San Francisco Street to west Columbus Avenue to access north US 180 (Humphreys Street).

Drivers should avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible. If drivers find it necessary to travel through the work zone, proceed with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Arizonans can now renew driver licenses online

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PHOENIX – Renewing a standard Arizona driver license and a commercial driver license can now be completed with a few clicks on a website.

As Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on February 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.

“Most Arizonans with a standard driver license must renew their license when they turn 65 years of age and every five years thereafter,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “During the pandemic, ADOT wants to continue Governor Ducey’s efforts to help protect our most vulnerable and we’re pleased to be able to offer a contactless renewal option so people can continue making healthy choices.”

An in-office visit will be required to renew a standard Arizona driver license if an individual’s photo of record was taken more than 12 years prior to renewal, but most Arizonans will be able to renew their driver license without visiting an MVD office. Driver license-holders can log-in to their account at AZMVDNow.gov to see their eligibility for online renewal.

To renew a CDL online at AZMVDNow.gov, an individual’s address must remain the same, a valid primary document is on file with MVD and their current credential must be in good standing. CDL holders with a hazmat endorsement will not be able to renew their license online.

This new, streamlined renewal option was made possible, in large part, when MVD implemented a state-of-the-art computer operating system last spring. That change replaced an obsolete system that contained elements that were older than 35 years and no longer sustainable. The new system has made it possible for MVD to offer customers the ability to complete most services online at AZMVDNow.gov, eliminating the need to visit an MVD office for many Arizonans.

“We’ve all seen a lot of change over the last year, but this is something new that everyone can embrace,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “The website AZMVDNow.gov has added convenience for customers and made it easier for Arizonans to conduct their business with MVD. Adding driver license renewals to the long list of other services, like registration renewals, change of address and ordering a replacement license, will help keep Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

When renewing online, an individual’s official driver record will be updated with the new expiration date in the MVD system when the application and payment are submitted electronically.

When it comes time to renew a driver license, individuals can follow the below steps to renew online.

  • Go to AZMVDNow.gov and sign-in to your account. If you need to activate your account – everyone with an Arizona driver license has an account – follow those steps.
  • After logging in, select “Renew Now” in the “My Credential” section and follow the instructions.
  • Allow about 15 days for processing and mail delivery of your new driver license.