Tag Archives: ADOT

ADOT enhances security of driver license application process

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is taking an active role in curbing identity theft and fraud by implementing facial recognition technology in the application process for state-issued credentials.

An applicant for a new or duplicate driver license or state ID card at an ADOT Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third Party office will have their photo taken at the beginning of the process. Facial recognition during the “Photo First” review process occurs seamlessly and without delay as the customer continues through the application process.

In 2012, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division implemented a Photo First approach to aid in the detection of and prevention of fraud, forgery and identity theft. In 2014, ADOT Motor Vehicle Division implemented Central Credential Issuance, eliminating credentials being issued at the MVD or Authorized Third Party offices. Both processes have contributed to a more comprehensive review of applications along with providing more time to identify possible fraudulent submissions.

One of the best screening formats in the detection of identity theft, attempted fraud or forgery in the application process has always been the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division customer service representatives who initially review all documents submitted in the application packet. During this initial screening process of the application packet by ADOT employees, possible file errors or fraudulent submissions are detected.

“Facial recognition technology supports the commitment by ADOT to protect the privacy of its customers, and to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the credential issuance process,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “This technology enables us to fight against fraud and identity theft.”

The technology provides an effective screening method to identify errors in customer records in the state driver license database and to prevent fraudulent attempts to obtain an Arizona driver license or identification card. It also allows ADOT to develop the new federally compliant Voluntary Travel ID according to the requirements outlined in the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.

When a credential application record generates an alert resulting from the facial recognition technology, the system will automatically perform an additional review of the record to identify and correct any possible file errors. If the system verifies it is not a file error, the record will then undergo a comprehensive review by personnel in the ADOT Office of the Inspector General.

“This technology allows us to take a proactive approach to protecting people’s identities and stopping fraud,” said ADOT Assistant Director Terry Conner, who leads the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “Our detectives are already working investigations after reviewing reliable information provided by the system.”

US 180 lane restrictions to begin early Monday

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US 180 will have lane restrictions for east- and westbound travel beginning Monday (July 20) and continue daily through the week until Friday (July 25) for roadway striping.

The work will be performed from Columbus Avenue to Bader Road (milepost 216 to 224) from 3 a.m. to noon daily.

Please allow for extra travel time while in construction area and exercise caution while driving in the work zone.

I-40 restrictions between Williams and Ashfork begin Monday

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Westbound Interstate 40 will be narrowed to one lane at Exit 149 (County Line) milepost 148 for bridge work.

The lane restriction will begin Monday (July 20) to Thurs (July 23) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Please allow for extra travel time while in construction area and exercise caution while driving in the work zone.

I-40 bridge overpass at Twin Arrow Road (exit 219) reduced to one lane at times beginning Monday morning (Jul. 20)

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PHOENIX — Geotechnical work on the Interstate 40 overpass at the Twin Arrow Road traffic-interchange will begin on Monday (Jul. 20) and continue daily until Wednesday (Jul. 22). Please use caution while the following restrictions are in place:

  • I-40 bridge overpass at Twin Arrows Road (exit 219), toward the Twin Arrows Casino, reduced to one lane at times daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday (Jul.20-22). Flaggers will be present during restrictions to guide traffic through the work zone.

Please allow extra travel time and to be prepared to merge safely when approaching the work zone.

A geotechnical investigation is designed to provide engineers with data on conditions below the surface, helping to refine construction plans and processes. The Twin Arrows TI project is scheduled to begin in 2016.

Widening project complete on SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley

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Motorists traveling between Prescott and Chino Valley on State Route 89 (mileposts 320-325) now have a four-lane divided highway along a five-mile segment between Road 4 South in Chino Valley and Deep Well Ranch Road in Prescott.

Crews completed the final paving earlier this week and fully opened the roadway yesterday, July 15.

For the next six weeks, drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until August 31 as crews do miscellaneous work and clean up on the project.

I-40 westbound travel reduced to one lane and on-ramp closure for County Line (exit 148) just east of Ash Fork

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ASH FORK — Westbound travel on Interstate 40 (I-40) at the County Line traffic interchange (Exit 148) just east of Ash Fork is reduced to one-lane of travel and will be in place continuously including nights and weekends until late July while repairs are underway. Construction within the work-zone will be active during daylight hours; however the restrictions will be in place both day and nighttime hours.

The westbound on-ramp at the County Line (Exit 148) will also be closed while work is being performed at the interchange. The recommended detour is to exit at the Monte Carlo traffic interchange (Exit 149) then cross over for westbound travel.

ADOT advises the public to allow for extra travel time while work is being performed and to observe reduced speeds in the area.

Overnight paving work on SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley continues

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Overnight paving work resumes tonight and Wednesday, July 8 and 9 on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley, weather permitting. Work will take place on the south end of the project at the new Deep Well Ranch Road roundabout.

Motorists traveling on SR 89 for the next two nights between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. should allow extra travel time through the work zone. A detour will be in place redirecting traffic in both directions onto the new Deep Well Ranch Road to Ruger Road. Delays of up to 20 minutes at a time are expected. Flaggers and law enforcement will be present to guide motorists through the detour safely.

Beginning Saturday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 14 crews will place rubberized asphalt throughout the project between 4 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Access into the businesses along the northbound side of the project will be impacted for up to 20 minutes at a time and motorists will be stopped until the paving crew passes the driveway.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Hell Canyon bridge replacement to begin this month north of Paulden

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hell canyonPAULDEN — While the Arizona Department of Transportation completed interim repairs to the Hell Canyon Bridge in 2013, the agency moved forward with plans to design a new bridge along State Route 89 in Yavapai County that would ultimately replace the aging and narrow bridge that does not meet today’s design standards. Two years later, ADOT will start construction on Tuesday, July 14 on a modernized bridge that will replace the current bridge when completed.

The existing nearly 600-foot-long bridge, which was built in 1954, is located 18 miles north of Chino Valley at milepost 346 and serves as a key connection linking Prescott and northern Arizona (Interstate 40 in Ash Fork).

The $14.4 million improvement project will include constructing a new four-span steel-plate girder bridge to the east of the existing bridge and removing the existing three-span steel deck truss bridge, which has been classified as structurally deficient by bridge inspectors. The current bridge is safe; however, some needed repairs or improvements have been identified during bridge inspections.

The new 665-foot-long two-lane bridge will feature wider travel lanes and will be approximately 47 feet wide, more than 17 feet wider than the current bridge. The bridge will also accommodate heavier loads, ensuring commercial trucks can conveniently carry goods and produce to their final destinations, particularly when I-40 traffic is diverted onto SR 89 during serious crashes.

There will be limited traffic impacts to motorists during construction because traffic will remain on the existing bridge, while work progresses on constructing the new bridge east of the current bridge.

The first phase of the project, which is expected to take up to 12 months to complete, will include construction of the new bridge as well as temporary access roads along the north and south sides of the canyon to assist with bridge construction and removal.

Daytime blasting operations, which will begin at 9 a.m. July 14, will be required for the construction of the access roads and intermittent closures will be necessary during that time. Delays of up to 20 minutes are possible until blasting operations are completed by the end of next month. ADOT will send advance notice to the public when any closure dates are finalized.

After the new bridge is completed, traffic will be switched to the new bridge. The existing Hell Canyon Bridge will then be dismantled and removed, which is expected to take up to three months. Additional road construction/realignment will be necessary to the north and south of the new bridge.

Requesting public records? ADOT simplifies, speeds up process with new online form

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adot-logo-03aPHOENIX — If you’re seeking public records from the Arizona Department of Transportation, you can now save time, paper and postage by making your inquiry online.

ADOT launched a new online public records request process this week that eliminates the need for paper forms. Now, filing a request is as simple as completing and submitting a form online, available at www.azdot.gov/media. Previously, those making a request often would need to wait to have a form sent by mail, then return the completed paperwork to ADOT.

The online system allows ADOT to begin researching and completing requests faster.

“Our new public records online request form streamlines the way ADOT does business and creates a more efficient process for the public to access information,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “This reflects Governor Ducey’s continued commitment to open government in Arizona.”

On ADOT’s website, visitors can find links to the form along with instructions, frequently asked questions and fees for copies. Once the request is completed, the requestor can schedule an on-site visit to review the documents or have copies made. Also, the person requesting documents can have them sent by mail.

Those without internet access can contact ADOT Safety and Risk Management by phone at 602.712.7327.

Overnight work continues on Interstate 17 south of Camp Verde this week

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CAMP VERDE — Overnight paving work will continue this week on Interstate 17 just south of Camp Verde (mileposts 280 to 286) between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. starting tonight, July 6 through Wednesday, July 15.

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane at milepost 280, approximately one and half miles north of the State Route 169 junction and drivers will be guided through the work zone with a pilot car for the protection of workers and the traveling public. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

This $7.5 million project consists of the removal of a layer of the existing pavement, repaving the roadway, bridge work and shoulder improvements. Work is expected to be complete by September.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.