Tag Archives: Phoenix

ADOT recommends drivers be prepared for winter driving conditions

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A major winter storm is forecast to push through Arizona and the Arizona Department of Transportation wants drivers traveling in the high country to be prepared.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains and high deserts throughout northern and eastern Arizona. Snow levels may be as low as 2,000 feet. Rain is expected in the lower elevations.

ADOT crews have been preparing for the storm and will be working 24/7 to keep roads clear. Maintenance crews are checking the snowplows and making sure they are stocked with de-icing products. Additional snowplow drivers have been sent to areas expecting significant snowfall, like Flagstaff and Williams.

Drivers should plan ahead and be very cautious if planning to travel to the high country when the storm arrives. ADOT recommends drivers wait until conditions improve before traveling.

More safety tips for drivers:

  • Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution around snowplows.
  • Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
  • When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back!
  • Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
  • Maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas.
  • Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
  • Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
  • Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
  • Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
  • Carry plenty of food and water, and all necessary medications.
  • Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.
  • Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Wyatt J. Martin killed in action in Afghanistan

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morris-martinPHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer ordered flags at half-staff for the death of an Arizona soldier. Specialist Wyatt J. Martin of Mesa was killed on Friday, December 12 along with Sgt. 1st Class Ramon S. Morris of New York city. The pair died as a result of a homemade bomb in Parwan Province in Afghanistan.

Specialist Martin joined the Army in August of 2012. He was assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry in June 2014.

The proclamation of the governor reads:

I have ordered that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset Monday, December 15, 2014, in honor of United States Army Specialist Wyatt J. Martin, 22, of Mesa, Arizona.

Specialist Martin died Friday, December 12, in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist Martin died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

He was assigned to A Company, 3rd Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Please join me in offering a prayer for Specialist Martin, for his loved ones, and for all the men and women who have risked and given their lives to preserve and protect freedom throughout the world.

Southbound Interstate 17 north of Rock Springs closed for up to 20 minutes on Wednesday

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Motorists traveling on southbound Interstate 17 on Wednesday morning, Dec. 17 need to be are aware of a brief closure scheduled between Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road that allow crews to remove rock fall debris along the shoulders of the highway, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A five-mile segment (mileposts 237 to 242) of southbound I-17 will be closed for up to 20 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. to provide a safe work zone for crews to remove debris from the roadway. Motorists are urged to plan accordingly or allow extra travel time. Northbound traffic will not be affected.

In addition to the full southbound closure, a right lane closure will be in place between 8:30 a.m. and noon between mileposts 237-238 for shoulder clean up. Minimal delays expected.

The speed limit through the work zones will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.

No state highway closures over Thanksgiving weekend

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In an effort to help holiday travelers and promote safety, the Arizona Department of Transportation says no construction closures are scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways or state highways over the Thanksgiving weekend. No closures will be scheduled between Wednesday afternoon and early Monday morning, Dec. 1.

Drivers who have plans to travel over the weekend are urged to focus on safety. ADOT and its contractors will hold off on work requiring closures as the busy holiday travel season gets underway. Motorists should focus on staying alert and obeying speed limits, especially in areas where existing work zones are in place.

Last year, 13 people were killed in a total of 10 fatal crashes along Arizona highways and local roads over the Thanksgiving weekend. Three of those fatal crashes were alcohol-related. ADOT, the Department of Public Safety and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety ask motorists to follow these safe-driving tips:

  • Get a good night’s rest before heading out on a trip.
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, fluid levels and the condition of engine belts.
  • Buckle up and double-check child safety seats.
  • Never drive while impaired. Arrange for a designated driver ahead of time.
  • Obey speed limits, be patient and avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving.
  • Be prepared for unscheduled closures due to accidents. Have an emergency preparedness kit that includes extra clothes, blankets, flashlights, snack foods and drinking water.

ADOT also teams up with DPS and the Black Canyon City and Daisy Mountain fire departments to focus on emergency response efforts along Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, especially when heavier traffic is expected on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. ADOT will position vehicles and equipment in the Anthem and Cordes Junction areas to allow crews to quickly respond to crashes or disabled vehicles and reopen the highway in the event of closures or lane restrictions.

For the latest highway conditions across Arizona, travelers can visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 511 (outside Arizona call 1-888-411-ROAD). ADOT’s public information line for state highway conditions is 602-712-6513. You can also track closures and other highway conditions at Twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.

Additional information about winter driving and items to include in an emergency preparedness kit can be found at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Adopt a Highway program continues to keep Arizona beautiful

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PHOENIX – Nearly 7,000 miles of Arizona highways take motorists on a journey through a variety of environments, from desert landscapes to snow-covered highlands to bustling urban settings. Keeping this wide-ranging system of roadways free of litter is no easy task, yet more than 12,000 volunteers and hundreds of sponsor groups beautify Arizona’s roadways and support the efficient use of state transportation system resources.

Since its inception in 1988, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program has offered an opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to perform litter clean-up activities on two-mile sections of the state’s highway system.

Each year, Adopt a Highway volunteers typically collect around 63 tons of litter and provide ADOT with a current statewide labor value of $2.3 million. The Adopt a Highway program is active in all 15 counties in the state along approximately 2,000 miles of roadway.

More than 1,500 volunteer groups and several hundred sponsor groups collect litter. In rural areas, volunteer groups are asked to clean up their designated section of highway at least twice a year. An ADOT acknowledgement sign recognizes the volunteer group’s section after their first cleanup. In the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, sponsor group organizations pay an ADOT-approved professional landscaping company to remove litter on a section of freeway.

The cost to taxpayers for the program is minimal. ADOT’s costs include vests and trash bags for the volunteers, and the production of the acknowledgement signs. A single ADOT staff member is responsible for managing the statewide program with operational and permitting support by ADOT field offices.

“The Adopt a Highway program promotes civic responsibility and community engagement,” said Patricia Powers-Zermeño, Adopt a Highway program manager. “Picking up litter is a way for someone to have a positive impact on the appearance of their community with just a few hours of effort.”

It is community spirit that attracts volunteers to the Adopt a Highway program in appreciation of Arizona’s natural beauty. Ron Curtis and his family volunteer on a section of the Arizona State Highway System in the Navajo Nation. “It’s a tradition,” said Curtis. “The earth is our mother and nowadays it is up to us to take care of mother earth. It brings us together and we send a message out.”

Richard Martin rides a motorcycle and says it’s important for him to give back. “We use these highways all the time. I encourage motorcyclists to participate,” said Martin.

Barbara Ricca is a 10-year volunteer in southeastern Arizona. She likes being outdoors and began participating in the Adopt a Highway program to introduce her family to community service. “My girls are grown now, but the satisfaction of working in the community is still strong,” said Ricca. “Right before my daughter Amanda moved to Scotland last year, I asked her what she wanted to do and she said volunteer with the Adopt a Highway program one more time.”

Not only do volunteers feel a sense of satisfaction cleaning up the environment, periodically they also find some entertainment in the things they pick up along Arizona’s roadways: a metal sculpture of a roosting bat, articles of clothing from head to toe, cans of food, geocache items and sometimes small bills or coins.

**MEETING NOTICE** : Governor’s Agricultural Best Management Practices Committee

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Governor’s Agricultural Best Management Practices Committee
Thursday, November 13, 2014; 1:30 p.m.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Conference Rm 3175
1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Call-in Number: 1-877-820-7829, participant code 228497#

The general public is welcome to participate in this meeting by calling the number provided above or attending the meeting in Conference Room 3175 at ADEQ, for directions and parking go to http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/contact.html.

I. Welcome, Review of Agenda & Past Meeting Minutes
II. Discussion & Possible Action on Revisions to the Proposed Best Management Practices Rule
III. Discussion & Possible Action on the Annual Report/Third Year Survey Report Forms: Crop Operations, Animal Productions, and Irrigation Districts
IV. Discussion & Possible Action on Language for the Three Year Survey; R18-2-610.03(g)
V. Discussion on Appointment of County Representative: “person who is employed by a county air quality department or agency” (49-457-(B)(15)
VI. Call to the Public
VII. Adjournment

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.02, notice is hereby given that the above-referenced conference call is open to the public. Order of agenda items is subject to change. For additional information regarding the conference call, please contact Lisa Tomczak, ADEQ Air Quality Division, at (602) 771-4450 or 1-800-234-5677, Ext. 771-4450. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Alicia Pollard, (602) 771-4791, via email pollard.alicia@azdeq.gov TDD line for hearing impaired individuals, (602) 771-4829. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Overnight delays on State Route 87 north of Sunflower expected

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PHOENIX — Motorists who regularly travel overnight between Phoenix and Payson on State Route 87 are urged to plan ahead or allow extra travel time as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves into the next phase of an improvement project, approximately 7 miles north of Sunflower.

Beginning on Sunday night, Nov. 9, the highway will be restricted in both directions between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily as crews begin slope excavation work. Traffic will be stopped in both directions between mileposts 223-228 and guided through the work zone with the aid of a pilot car.

Overnight traffic restrictions from Sunday night through Friday morning between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily are expected to continue through Nov. 21.

Delays up to 30 minutes at a time are possible. A 12-foot vehicle width restriction will also be in place from mileposts 223-228.

The $6.2 million safety improvement project, which began last month approximately seven miles south of the State Route 188 junction, includes the reconstruction of an existing curve at milepost 227, as well as building a new southbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. Runaway truck ramps offer an opportunity for out-of-control trucks, which may have inoperable brakes, to safely exit the highway and come to a controlled stop.

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

David Gowan elected as speaker in the House

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300-gowanBrenda Barton, Arizona House Representative for District 6, is reporting on her Facebook page that the newly elected Republican Caucus has met and selected David Gowan as the new Speaker of the House.

David M. Gowans Sr. is the legislator for District 14 and lives in Siera Vista. District 14 encompasses Cochise, Greenlee, Graham, and east Pima County with the exception of the Indian reservations.

Gowan has been a member of the Arizona House of Representatives since 2009. He is considered a strong advocate for gun rights and veterans affairs.

Doug Ducey declared the winner in the race for governor

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Arizona-electsPHOENIX – As of 8:44 Doug Ducey was declared the winner for the race for governor of the Great State of Arizona. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton blamed “the dark money” pouring into the State. He probably did not mind the nameless, faceless ads run against Ducey by Soros-funded organizations.

Ruben Gallego who beat out Mary Willcox in the primary, was the first race to be called in favor of the Democrat.

Generally across the board Republicans are doing well. In addition to the governors race, they may take the Secretary of State race with Michelle Reagan just over Terry Goddarad and the Office of Attorney General with Mark Brnovice over Democrat Felecia Rotollini.

Across the Federal offices most of the incumbents are winning. The rough race in District 9 looks like it will go to Kyrsten Sinema against Wendy Rogers. Currently it appears that Ann Kirkpatrick could take her race, but there are many precincts to report.

Tom Forese and Doug Little are running 7-percent over Democrat Sandra Kennedy.

The only blight on the night, so far, is Sylvia Allen is running behind Republican turned Independent so he could vote Democrat without the label Tom O’Halleran. Brenda Barton and Bob Thorpe are ahead by about 4-percent over Democrat challenger Lanny Morrison. This is with 38 of 89 districts reporting.

All of the elected State legislators will go in without a pay raise as Proposition 304 is being soundly defeated. Proposition 122 which would retain Tenth Amendment power in the Great State of Arizona is very close 50.67% to 49.33%. Terminally ill patients will likely have the opportunity to opt to take experimental drugs as Proposition 303 is being overwhelmingly approved 78.96% to 21.04%.

In Coconino, the sales tax referendum 403 is overwhelmingly passing.

These are based on unofficial results as the votes will have to be canvassed upon completion of the counting. Some of the races, such as the Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Schools, currently led by Diane Douglas.

Free Biohazardous Medical Waste Workshop Scheduled To be Held in Show Low on Wednesday, Nov. 12

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ADEQ-2PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today that a free bio-hazardous medical waste compliance seminar will be held for interested parties in the White Mountains region in Show Low on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the Frontier Conference Room of the Navajo County Public Health Services District, 600 N. 9th Place, and is sponsored by ADEQ’s Waste Programs Division Solid Waste Inspection and Compliance staff.

The workshop will offer an overview of bio-hazardous medical waste rules in Arizona and help attendees understand those rules. In addition, tattoo parlor regulations will be discussed along with recent changes in ADEQ rules and regulations. There also will be a question and answer session with seminar attendees.

“The material from these workshops is important for health-care providers in understanding how to protect the human health and environment of our state,” said ADEQ Director Henry Darwin.

Space for the workshop is limited and all those interested in attending should RSVP by 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 with ADEQ’s Daniel Salzler at (602) 771-4119 or ds2@azdeq.gov.