Tag Archives: ADOT

State Transportation Board approves Five-Year Construction Program

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PHOENIX — Projects to improve Arizona’s highway system through expansion, preservation and modernization were formally approved today to move forward as part of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual five-year planning process.

Funding for the Five-Year Program is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, and the vehicle license tax.

Today the State Transportation Board met in Pinetop-Lakeside and voted to adopt the 2016-2020 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. The board’s action determines which projectsdi are now programmed in Greater Arizona, the Maricopa County region and the Pima County region. The process to finalize these projects began in March with a call to the public, stakeholders and local governments to comment online or during three public hearings.

“ADOT and its partners are striving to reduce fatalities, increase mobility and improve the economy by balancing infrastructure needs all while using a funding source that continues to erode due to inflation, fuel economy and alternative fuels,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “While fuel economy and alternatives to gasoline are good for the consumer and the environment, necessary expansion and maintenance of our transportation infrastructure is not keeping pace with needs. Appropriate investment is necessary for expansion and maintenance of our infrastructure, not only for safety and efficiency, but also to compete in today’s global economy.”

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the newly adopted 2016-2020 Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system while moving some high-priority expansion projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to continued low revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. ADOT’s continued focus on preservation allows the department to protect its investment of $19.7 billion in the state highway system. Without a commitment to preservation, it would cost approximately $200 billion to replace the system.

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions in the two metropolitan areas have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place and for more transportation funding overall.

The following is a list of major projects for Greater Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) region and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) region during the 2016-2020 Five-Year Program. This list provides an overview and does not include all projects in the Five-Year Program.

  • State Route 260, Interstate 17 to Thousand Trails: This widening project totals $62 million ($52 million will be allocated in FY 2016 for construction, while $10 million was programmed in FY 2015 for right of way). The project, which is scheduled to begin construction in spring 2016, will upgrade a nine-mile segment of SR 260 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane, modern divided highway between Thousand Trails Road and the Interstate 17 junction in Camp Verde, east of Cottonwood. The project is the final step in transforming SR 260 into a continuous four-lane divided highway between the I-17/SR 260 junction and Cottonwood to enhance safety and improve traffic flow for the Greater Verde Valley area.
  • State Route 347 Railroad Overpass: This estimated $55 million bridge project is intended to alleviate traffic backups at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing in Pinal County by replacing the existing at-grade intersection with an overpass on SR 347, so vehicle and train traffic do not impede one another. SR 347 is the only direct route between the city of Maricopa and metro Phoenix. The funding for this project is allocated in phases. ADOT has an agreement with the city of Maricopa for the city to contribute a total of $8 million to this project.

FY 2016: $5.5 million allocated for right of way

FY 2017: $7.3 million allocated for right of way

FY 2020: $36.2 million allocated for construction

In FY 2015,$6 million was allocated for project development.

  • State Route 189, Nogales to Interstate 19: Total project cost is currently estimated at $70 million. ADOT is planning these improvements along SR 189 to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico at the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest land ports in the United States. Even though it is one of the shortest highways in the state, SR 189 has a huge impact on trade in this region.

FY 2016: $2 million allocated for preliminary engineering

FY 2018: $4 million allocated for design work

FY 2021: $64 million is anticipated to be available for construction (note that this portion of the project is in the 2021-2025 Development Program)

  • State Route 89, State Route 89A to Deep Well Ranch Road: $15 million allocated in FY 2017 for a corridor widening project that will improve capacity, operations and safety. The roadway will be widened from two lanes to four lanes.
  • US 60, Show Low to 40th Street: $6 million allocated in FY 2018 for this project, which will add turn lanes, widen the roadway and construct intersection improvements.
  • US 93, Cane Springs section: $5 million allocated in FY 2019 for project design work on this widening project that is part of ADOT’s commitment to convert all of US 93 to a modern, four-lane divided highway. In FY 2024, $31 million is anticipated to be available for construction (note that this portion of the project is in the 2021-2025 Development Program).
  • Interstate 15, Bridge No. 1: $2.5 million allocated in FY 2017 for design and $33 million allocated in FY 2019 for bridge replacement.
  • Interstate 10, Ina Road traffic interchange: $85 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2017. This project entails a full reconstruction of the Ina Road traffic interchange. Interstate 10 currently passes over Ina Road, and with this project, Ina Road will become elevated and pass over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad. The existing frontage roads and ramps will also require reconstruction.
  • Interstate 10, Houghton Road traffic interchange: $41 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2019 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 10, Ruthrauff Road traffic interchange: $104 million allocated from FY 2017 to FY 2018 for this reconstruction project.
  • Interstate 10, Country Club Road traffic interchange: $71 million allocated from FY 2018 to FY 2020 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 19, Ajo Way traffic interchange: $22 million allocated in FY 2018 for Phase II of this reconstruction project.
  • South Mountain Freeway: $1.48 billion allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2020 for construction, which is expected to begin in early 2016.
  • Loop 303, I-10 interchange: $83 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2019 for Phase II of the Loop 303 project, which will extend Loop 303 south of I-10 in Goodyear.
  • Interstate 10, 32nd Street near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in Chandler: $303 million allocated from FY 2016 to FY 2020 for widening and other improvements to I-10. This project includes improvements at the Broadway Curve to help traffic flow more efficiently through this section of the Maricopa Freeway.

The Five-Year Program serves as a blueprint for future projects and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for those projects. It is updated annually. Each program begins with a long-range visioning process, moves into a more realistic 20-year plan and finally yields each Five-Year Program. The program is developed by working closely with local planning organizations and community leaders to identify ready-to-construct or design projects.

US 60 passing lane project east of Superior starts this week

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The first of a series of planned improvement projects along US 60 between Superior and Globe will start Wednesday, June 17, when the Arizona Department of Transportation begins work to construct a new passing lane from Devils Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233), along with other improvements.

When completed, this $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.

There will be minimal impacts to the traveling public during this initial phase of the project prior to Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Construction of the passing lane and some shoulder widening will require US 60 to be closed during blasting, which will start after the Independence Day holiday weekend.

The project will include the following:

  • Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
  • Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (milepost 233-234)
  • Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
  • Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242 just west of Miami)

Work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Work crews may also be working at night during different phases of the construction. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2016.

Removing several areas of rock embankment will require blasting during the project. The first phase of blasting is being planned for the week after the Fourth of July holiday weekend during morning hours around 9 a.m. The exact day has not been determined. Blasting will occur about every five to seven days in a five-month period until it is completed. Closures during the initial blasts may be up to three hours. As blasting continues there will be a lesser impact on traffic and delays will be reduced.

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.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

Road construction starting on I-40 through Winslow June 15

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WINSLOW — The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a road improvement project on Monday, June 15 to resurface eight-teen miles of Interstate 40 through the city of Winslow (milepost 250-268).

The $9.3 million project will include removing and replacing the existing asphalt eastbound and westbound, removing and replacing the State Route 87 bridge deck, which crosses I-40, and installing new guardrail. The majority of the paving on the project is anticipated to be completed by late September. The bridge deck replacement will be completed late December. The final finishing layer of asphalt may need to be completed next spring 2016.

During paving operations the following interchanges on I-40 will be affected; Hipkoe Drive, North Park Drive, Transcon Lane and State Route 87. Workers will work on one interchange at a time. Motorists will need to travel to the next interchange, east or west of the one being worked on, to exit or enter the interstate. During construction of the SR 87 bridge deck, north bound traffic will remain open during the entire project while southbound traffic will be diverted to the Transcon interchange.

Work hours will be 2 a.m. to sunset Monday through Friday. There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zones. Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for detour signs and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Paving to resume on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF — Final paving work for the US 180 project will resume next week due to unseasonably cool and wet weather which halted paving. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will resume paving along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).

The paving work will occur daily, Monday (June 15) through Friday (June 19), between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.

Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff as an alternate route.

Lane restrictions on Country Club Drive overpass to Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to begin on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF — Lane restrictions to accommodate construction of connecting portion of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System

Beginning on Monday (June 15) travel on Country Club Drive at Interstate 40 (I-40) will be reduced to a single lane of travel in both directions as construction begins on a connecting segment of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). The FUTS construction will install a multi-use path adjacent to Country Club Drive and connect two existing parts of the FUTS on either side of the overpass.

The reduced lane restriction is scheduled to begin on Monday (June 15) at 6 a.m. and be in place continuously until early July while work is underway.

During construction of this portion of the FUTS, the westbound exit ramp and eastbound entrance ramp to I-40 will be maintained at all times. Access to adjacent properties will also be maintained at all times.

Maintenance scheduled Tuesday night on US 89 south of the I-40 and Country Club Drive traffic interchange in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Travelers heading northbound on US 89 south of the Interstate 40 and Country Club Drive interchange in Flagstaff this Tuesday night (June 9) will encounter reduced lanes as Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews perform maintenance work in the area.

The maintenance work will occur on northbound US 89 at milepost 418, from 7 p.m. Tuesday (June 9) to 6 a.m. Wednesday, (June 10). Drivers are asked to use caution while in the work zone, be alert for ADOT maintenance crews, and observe lane closures and speed reductions while work is underway.

ADOT seeks public input on its Disparity Study and overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals for federally funded highway, transit and aviation contracts

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PHOENIX — Nearly every month, the Arizona Department of Transportation awards contracts to companies specializing in design, construction, transit and other components of transportation projects throughout the state. Some of these companies are federally certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), which are small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. ADOT operates a DBE program to assist these firms with securing contracts that use U.S. Department of Transportation funds, and ADOT is currently seeking public input on its proposed goals for DBE participation in contracts for the next three years, along with public input on the results of a draft Disparity Study Report.

Every three years, ADOT must set an overall annual goal for the participation of DBEs. For federal fiscal years 2015 through 2017, ADOT is proposing a final goal of 8.90 percent of the total dollars of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts awarded to DBE firms, with 5.00 percent to be achieved through race and gender conscious-neutral means (ADOT small business programs and other efforts) and 3.90 percent to be achieved through race and gender-conscious means (contract goals). ADOT is also proposing overall DBE goals for Federal Transit Administration contracts of 7.25 percent for federal fiscal years 2016-2018 and Federal Aviation Administration contracts of 4.87 percent for federal fiscal years 2017-2019, both of which to be met through race and gender-neutral means.

Recently, ADOT completed a draft Disparity Study Report that provides the data to support the DBE goals. The draft study provides analysis and results of the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms — by race, ethnic and gender group — to determine whether there are disparities in the past utilization of those firms in ADOT and local public agency contracts. In addition, the study includes analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others about their experiences related to the transportation contracting industry in Arizona.

Business representatives and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the size of the proposed overall DBE goals, the means proposed to achieve the goals and the results of the Disparity Study. ADOT would also like to receive public input on experiences competing for or working on ADOT projects, suggestions on how to improve contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses, and what ADOT and the transportation industry can do to enhance support of the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Public Hearings 
Interested persons are encouraged to attend one of four public hearings in July. All public hearings will be held from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., with an ADOT presentation at 3:15. Time will be allotted to allow members of the public to provide comments.

July 8 – Flagstaff    
High Country Conference Center — 1899 Ballroom
201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

July 13 – Yuma 
Pivot Point Conference Center (near Hilton Garden Inn Yuma) — Anza/Redondo boardrooms
301 N. Madison Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364

July 14 – Tucson
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705

July 16 – Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation Human Resources Development Center
1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009

45-day Public Comment Period
All documents related to the proposed DBE goal, methodology and draft Disparity Study Report will be available for review from June 8 through July 23, 2015, online at adotdbestudy.com or at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1135 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009.

During the 45-day public comment period, comments may be provided in the following ways:

  • Verbal Testimony: At public hearings
  • Online: adotdbestudy.com
  • Email: info@adotdbestudy.com
  • Fax: 928-684-3021
  • Mail: Keen Independent Research, 172 N. Washington St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390

The public comment period will close on July 23, 2015. All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration.

Interstate 17 travel at JW Powell to have restrictions in place beginning Monday June 8

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists headed to the Flagstaff Airport, Fort Tuthill County Park, and to SR 89A from I-17 will need to be aware of a traffic restriction that prevents travel across JW Powell Boulevard beginning early morning on Monday, June 8.  This restriction will be in place continuously until early July while work is being performed at the tie-in and on the ramp for the new eastern roundabout.

Recommended detours as follows:

  • Travel for southbound I-17 connections to the Flagstaff Airport can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 333 (Kachina Blvd/Mountainaire Road) and then travel back northbound to Exit 337.
  • Travel from the Flagstaff Airport returning to southbound I-17 can be accommodated by traveling northbound on I-17 to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) and following detour signage to return to the interstate.
  • Travel for northbound traffic on I-17 needing to connect to SR 89A and Fort Tuthill County Park can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) then access to SR 89A at the intersection.
  • Travel for northbound traffic on SR89A or from Fort Tuthill County Park  needing to connect to I-17 can be accommodated by continuing north on SR89A/Beulah Blvd to McConnell Drive then access to I-17.
  • Detour signage will be in place to assist travel in the area.

This phase of construction is part of a project begun June 2014 and will facilitate the flow of traffic through the area, and is designed to meet current and future traffic demand. This project is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2015.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Please allow additional time to accommodate for your destinations while the detours are in place.

Paving continues on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl next week

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640-sfp-141207-20FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation is returning next week to continue application of the top layer of asphalt along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).

Due to expected rain and unseasonably cooler temperatures, the paving work had to be halted for the remainder of this week. Warmer weather is forecasted to move into Flagstaff next week which will allow paving to resume.

The finishing paving work will occur daily, Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.

Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff in Williams as an alternate route.

According to Flagscanner, other street repairs in Flagstaff from June 8 to 12 include:

  1. Aztec St. – Beal Rd. to Thorpe St.
  2. Beal Rd. – Rockridge Rd. to W End
  3. Lava Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
  4. Basalt Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
  5. Whipple Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
  6. Whiting Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
  7. Anderson Dr. – Aztec St. to Navajo Dr.
  8. Fort Valley Frontage Rd. – Fort Valley Rd to Murray Rd.
  9. Hazel Way – Talkington Dr. to End
  10. Davis Dr. – Talkington Dr. to End
  11. Talkington Dr. – Meade Ln. to Crescent Dr.
  12. Lantern Ln. – Talkington Dr. to End
  13. Meteor Dr. – Crescent Dr. to Crescent Dr.
  14. Kramer St. – End to End
  15. Foothills Way – Fremont Blvd. to End
  16. Eddy Dr. – Wilson Dr. to West End of Cul De Sac
  17. Shannon Dr. – Prescott Rd. to Wilson Dr.
  18. Wilson Dr. – Shannon Dr. to Fremont Blvd.
  19. Nicole Ln. – Peakview St. to End
  20. Red Rock Ln. – Snowcap Way to Peakview St.
  21. Sheila Dr. – Brenda Loop to Fremont Blvd.
  22. Mountain Dr. – Peakview St. to Fremont Blvd.
  23. Lois Ln. – Peak View to End
  24. Peakview St.– Ft. Valley Rd. to Shannon Dr.
  25. Kendrick St. – Mikes Pike St. to Butler Ave.
  26. Mikes Pike St. – Route 66 to Phoenix Ave.
  27. Leroux St. – Cottage Ave. to Phoenix Ave.
  28. Dupont Ave. – Verde St. to Agassiz St.
  29. Verde St. – Franklin Ave. to End

Detours are expected for the above street repairs.

Pavement work on State Route 260 near Young Road toward Heber next week

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Crews are scheduled to repair shoulders on State Route 260 on a 10-mile segment (mileposts 284 to 294) starting near Young Road heading eastbound toward Heber next week.

Work hours are Monday through Wednesday, June 8 through 10 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Drivers will be guided through the work zone with flaggers and should expect delays of up to 10 minutes at a time.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.