Tag Archives: Phoenix

US 60 east of Superior to close for blasting operations next week

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SUPERIOR — Motorists using US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week should plan ahead and consider alternate routes as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work to build a passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior.

Construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require two full closures lasting four hours:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227), and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and debris is cleared.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260.

Drivers should use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time.

Overseeing cleanups, ADOT looks out for the environment ‒ and taxpayers

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PHOENIX — When fuel and other hazardous materials spill along our highways, the Arizona Department of Transportation makes sure the messes are cleaned up properly ‒ and that taxpayers aren’t stuck with the bill.

During 2015, ADOT’s Hazardous Materials Response Team saved an estimated $2.6 million by making the commercial carriers responsible or their insurance companies pay to remove contaminants from the soil. Taxpayers would otherwise be responsible for these environmental remediation costs, and the state would have been liable for fines and sanctions if the spills weren’t addressed properly.

Most of the 150 to 250 hazardous materials incidents ADOT responds to each year involve fuel spilling from trucks involved in crashes. About 40 to 50 incidents each year involve shipments of hazardous materials including fuel and acids.

Thanks to the Hazardous Materials Response Team’s efforts, all but a handful of the cleanups are paid for by commercial carriers or insurance companies.

“ADOT is committed to environmental responsibility and making the most efficient use of funds,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The record of success the Hazardous Materials Response Team has established over the years preserves money for transportation needs.”

When a hazardous materials spill occurs, public safety is the first priority for ADOT and other agencies responding. After that, ADOT makes sure those responsible pay to clean up the road and right of way using contractors approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

“It’s just doing the right thing not only for ADOT but for the taxpayers of Arizona,” said Travis V. Qualls, the agency’s hazardous materials response specialist. “Why should we be paying for someone else releasing a hazardous material on our property?”

ADEQ requires a higher level of cleanup in residential areas, but ADOT requires the residential standard regardless of where a spill occurs. The contractor handling a cleanup must complete work as instructed by

ADOT and provide the samples of soil before and after as well as documentation of where contaminated soil is taken.

Grant will add innovative monitoring technology to I-15 bridges

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Transportation engineers in Phoenix will get real-time information on the conditions of four interstate bridges in remote northwestern Arizona thanks to technology funded by a $768,000 Federal Highway Administration grant.

To enhance safety and efficiency, ADOT will use the Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration grant to add structural health monitoring systems to the Interstate 15 bridges, embedding sensors on the superstructures that record, analyze and share data.

The systems, which will be installed by this fall, will help ADOT identify and address problems quickly and decide when the bridges will need major repairs or replacement. They also will help ADOT engineers determine when to conduct inspections, which are required at least every two years and involve lane restrictions.

“The technology made possible by this grant will enhance the safety of the traveling public and help inform Arizona’s investments along this vital corridor,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We appreciate our federal partners helping to make it possible.”

Since early 2014, ADOT has invested nearly $30 million in several I-15 bridges, including an ongoing upgrade of Virgin River Bridge No. 6. The monitoring systems will be installed on four other bridges, two of them in the gorge and two in its outer reaches. One of those, Virgin River Bridge No. 1, is scheduled for a $33 million upgrade in fiscal year 2019.

“Cutting-edge technology like this takes bridge data to a new level,” Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “The 21st century economy demands innovative tools like these, and they will make Arizona’s highways an even more effective part of the national system.”

Opened in 1973, the stretch of Interstate 15 connecting southwestern Utah and southern Nevada passes through 29 miles of Mohave County, including the Virgin River Gorge. About 1.4 million commercial vehicles use the route annually.

ADOT to host statewide workshops for Long Range Transportation Plan update

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PHOENIX — In today’s fast-paced world, a reliable transportation system is vital, as people and commerce move through a statewide network to get to where they’re going. To keep pace, the transportation needs of tomorrow take planning and investment to ensure that Arizona stays competitive and meets the needs of a growing state.

That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation is looking 25 years down the road to determine the best mix of investment to preserve, modernize and expand the state transportation system with the resources available. It’s a project called the Long Range Transportation Plan, and it’s updated every five years.

Starting next week, ADOT will host a series of workshops across the state that are designed for community members, businesses and stakeholders to provide their input and ideas to shape the long-range vision for Arizona’s transportation system. These “Think Ahead about Transportation” workshops will be the foundation to begin the process of updating ADOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as What Moves You Arizona.

“As Governor Ducey pointed out in his State of the State speech last week, Arizona’s goals include growing our economy, while providing opportunity for all through our ability to work together,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “The work ahead on our Long Range Transportation Plan allows us to accomplish those goals, to ensure Arizona has a transportation system that carries us forward.”

While ADOT’s Long Range Plan is not project-specific, it identifies investment priorities based on current and projected transportation funding over the next 25 years. However, limited revenues will not meet all current and future transportation needs. The process requires distributing transportation funding in order to balance preservation, expansion and modernization of our system.

The 11 “Think Ahead about Transportation” workshops that have been scheduled are listed here. Additional workshops will be scheduled for the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Western Arizona Workshops

  1. Wednesday, Jan. 27: 1 to 3 p.m.
    Mohave County Public Works: Turquoise Room
    3675 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman, 86401
  2. Tuesday, Feb. 23: 2 to 4 p.m.
    Lake Havasu City Police Department: Meeting Room
    2360 McCulloch Blvd. N, Lake Havasu City, 86403

Northern Arizona Workshops

  1. Thursday, Jan. 28: 10 a.m. to noon
    Prescott Valley Public Library: Crystal Room
    7401 E. Civic Circle, Prescott Valley, 86314
  2. Wednesday, Feb. 3: 1 to 3 p.m.
    Navajo County Public Works: Chevelon Room
    100 W. Public Works Dr., Holbrook, 86025
  3. Wednesday, Feb. 17: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
    Little America Hotel
    2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86004
  4. Thursday, Feb. 25: 1 to 3 p.m.
    High Country Conference Center: Agassiz Ballroom
    201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86001

Central Arizona Workshops

  1. Thursday, Feb. 11: 1 to 3 p.m.
    City of Globe Municipal Building
    150 N. Pine St., Globe, 85501
  2. Thursday, Feb. 25: noon to 2 p.m.
    Casa Grande Council Chambers
    510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, 85122

Southern Arizona Workshops

  1. Thursday, Feb. 11: 1 to 3 p.m.
    Cochise College: Benson Center
    1025 S. Hwy 90, Benson, 85602
  2. Thursday, Feb. 18: 1 to 3 p.m.
    Pima Association of Governments
    1 E. Broadway, Ste. 401, Tucson, 85701
  3. Wednesday, Feb. 24: 1 to 3 p.m.
    Yuma County Library: Heritage Branch
    350 Third Ave., Yuma, 85364

It’s up to the public, policymakers and communities to tell ADOT what’s important to them throughout the long range planning process and to prioritize projects and funding for those projects.

Visit azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona for more information on ADOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan. You can leave a comment at azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona/comments. The final version of the plan is expected to be complete in early 2017.

Add this to your snow-play safety checklist: Don’t park along highways

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PHOENIX — Warm clothing and blankets? Check. Plenty of gas in the tank, fully charged cellphone, drinking water? Check, check, check.

Please add this to your safety checklist when heading to play in the snow: Don’t park along highways. Use only designated parking areas.

Highway shoulders are for emergencies, and parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in several ways:

• Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
• Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.

Expect heavy snow-play traffic again this weekend along US 180, which can lead to long backups heading toward Flagstaff at day’s end.

Those making the trip should allow for extra travel time and prepare as they would for any extended period in snowy, icy or cold areas. For more tips on preparing for travel in snow country, please visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.

To avoid congestion heading home through Flagstaff, consider taking a marked alternate route offering a more direct path to Interstate 17, via the Interstate 40 Butler Avenue interchange.

US 60 east of Superior to close for blasting operations next week

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Motorists using US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week should plan ahead and consider alternate routes as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work to build a passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior.

Construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require three full closures, one lasting four hours and two lasting 90 minutes:

>> Tuesday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
>> Thursday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227), and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and debris is cleared.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260.

Drivers should use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time.

SR 169 reduced to one lane Monday through Wednesday next week

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Drivers will be reduced to one lane from Jan. 25 through Jan. 27 next week on State Route 169 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. as crews repair potholes on a four-mile segment (mileposts 0 to 4).

Traffic will be directed through the work zone in alternating directions and drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

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.

ADEQ Recognizes Town of Springerville Leadership in Proactive Environmental Protection Programs

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SPRINGERVILLE — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that the Town of Springerville in Apache County is the third municipality in the state to complete a Small Community Environmental Protection Plan (SCEPP).

With a SCEPP in place, Springville is now better positioned to contribute to a cleaner, natural environment and more livable community. The Town also is eligible for up to a 100 percent penalty reduction for future environmental violations.

Steve West, Springerville Town Manager said, “Participation in the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program exemplifies the Town of Springerville’s commitment to continual improvement and environmentally stewardship for the benefit of those we serve.”

A SCEPP is a component of the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program (SCECAP). Small cities, towns and special water and wastewater districts often lack resources and staff to address their environmental concerns. This program helps them comply with state and federal environmental laws and reduce the number of violations and enforcement actions.

“We are committed to helping small communities in the state affordably protect their public health and air, land and water resources,” said ADEQ Director Misael Cabrera. “We congratulate the Town of Springerville for being a leader in the effort to build environmental cooperation and hope other small towns and wastewater and water districts join the program,” Director Cabrera added.

With completion of this milestone, the Town of Springerville also applied for recognition under Arizona’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP). ADEQ accepted the Town into the VESP at the Silver Level for its superior compliance history demonstrated by at least three years without environmental enforcement action.

The Silver Level recognizes organizations going above and beyond what is legally required to prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. The Town of Springerville has an ongoing commitment to protect air quality through its Branch Cleanup Project, which reduces smoke in residential neighborhoods. Town officials are measuring program participation, working to increase each year.

ADEQ will present the Town with Certificates of Recognition for both proactive, voluntary environmental protection programs at the Jan. 20, Springerville Town Council meeting.

Contractor selected for project to relieve congestion at US 60 and Bell Road

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PHOENIX — With a contractor selected, the Arizona Department of Transportation is moving forward with a $41.9 million project to relieve traffic congestion at US 60/Grand Avenue and Bell Road in Surprise.

On Friday, the Arizona State Transportation Board approved Coffman Specialties Inc.’s proposal to design and build a Bell Road bridge, creating an interchange that will allow continuous traffic flow on Grand Avenue. The project is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan.

Construction on Grand Avenue is scheduled to begin in late January and will continue through March. In April, Bell Road will be closed at Grand Avenue for six to eight months to accommodate construction of a bridge over Grand and the adjacent BNSF Railway tracks.

“A condensed schedule not only avoids having construction continue through the holiday shopping season and next year’s spring training but provides for the safety of workers and motorists,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation.

Grand Avenue will remain open during the project.

ADOT and Coffman Specialties will continue working with local leaders to minimize impacts by conducting business outreach, communicating with residents and implementing a comprehensive access plan that includes signage to assist motorists and businesses.

“This project is so very important to the city of Surprise, as it will provide much-needed traffic relief at the county’s third-busiest intersection and enhance the aesthetics at a signature gateway into our beautiful city,” City Manager Bob Wingenroth said. “I applaud our partners at ADOT in working in concert with city staff to ensure a construction plan that protects local business access throughout the work, and I encourage people to continue to support these businesses during the condensed construction schedule.”

ADOT projects invest in US 60 corridor east of the Phoenix area

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PHOENIX — Several projects that are underway or planned during 2016 will significantly upgrade US 60 from Superior to Globe.

In all, the Arizona Department of Transportation has committed nearly $50 million to projects in the corridor, including the addition of a passing lane and wider shoulders as the highway climbs east from Superior, five miles of new divided highway, rockfall mitigation, bridge work and drainage improvements.

As progress continues, including an upcoming project to replace lighting in the Queen Creek Tunnel, motorists traveling between Superior and Globe should plan ahead and be prepared for intermittent closures.

Two improvement projects are currently underway, and a third will start later this month:

A project started in August 2015 is adding a two-mile westbound passing lane between mileposts 231 and 233, widening the shoulder in Devil’s Canyon (mileposts 233-234), improving a bridge at Waterfall Canyon (milepost 229) and making drainage improvements west of Miami (milepost 242). Blasting operations for this project have required occasional closures, usually lasting up to 90 minutes, and these are expected to be needed through the end of April with crews more than halfway through excavating 108,000 cubic yards of earth.

ADOT is widening five miles of US 60 just west of and through Superior, a project that when completed in 2017 will convert the last two-lane stretch between Phoenix and Superior to four-lane divided highway. This work will require some traffic restrictions later this year.

This month, ADOT will add LED lighting to improve visibility in the quarter-mile-long Queen Creek Tunnel, which was built in 1952, as well as new conduit and wiring.

In 2015, ADOT completed a rockfall-mitigation project along mileposts 228-229, where crews removed loose boulders along a rocky and steep section of highway adjacent to the Queen Creek Tunnel.