Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Plan for restrictions on SR 69 in Prescott Valley starting on Nov. 7

PRESCOTT VALLEY — Drivers traveling on State Route 69 next week should allow extra travel time for striping work. Lane striping is scheduled daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, through Wednesday, Nov. 9, from State Route 169 to Mendecino Drive in Prescott Valley. Alternating lane restrictions are expected during work hours.

Crews will restripe a six-mile segment of newly repaved roadway in preparation of the winter months. The final layer of rubberized asphalt will be completed when warmer temperatures return in the spring of 2017.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but it’s possible that unscheduled closures or restrictions might occur because of weather or other factors. For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

Overnight paving work starts Sunday night on SR 69 between SR 169 and Mendecino Drive in Prescott Valley

PRESCOTT VALLEY — The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin paving work on State Route 69 in Prescott Valley between State Route 169 and Mendecino Drive (mileposts 281 to 287) this Sunday (Aug. 7). Crews will begin at the State Route 169 and State Route 69 intersection and work northbound for the first week.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction through the work zone during work hours. Minimal delays are expected.

This $3.8 million project consists of new asphalt, guardrail replacements, new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, sidewalks ramps, new striping and other miscellaneous work.

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. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

New pavement project scheduled on SR 69 between SR 169 and Mendecino Drive in Prescott Valley

PRESCOTT VALLEY — State Route 69 in Prescott Valley between State Route 169 and Mendecino Drive (mileposts 281 to 287) will be an active work zone at night starting Sunday (July 31).

This $3.8 million project consists of new asphalt, guardrail replacements, new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, sidewalks ramps, new striping and other miscellaneous work.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. Minimal delays are expected this coming week as crews will be working on sidewalk and other concrete structures at the intersections.

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. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511.

Blasting on State Route 69 in Prescott scheduled tomorrow and Tuesday

State Route 69 in Prescott, between Prescott Lakes Parkway and Lee Blvd., will be closed tomorrow, Oct. 8 and Tuesday, Oct. 13 for up to 15 minutes between 6:25 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. for blasting.

The closures will provide a safe work zone for blasting operations as part of a development project adjacent to SR 69 near the Ranch at Prescott.

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. Law enforcement personnel will be present to enforce the closures as they occur.

Pavement work in median on SR 69 in Humboldt this week

adot-logo3HUMBOLT – The Arizona Department of Transportation will be working on the pavement in the median and left turn lanes on State Route 69 in Humboldt (milepost 279) on Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Drivers can expect the left turn lanes to be closed through the work zones. A clearly marked detour will be in place. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Minimal delays are expected.

Slide Rock and Sunset fires first major fires of the season

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

OAK CREEK – High winds and restricted area are making difficult the fighting of a fire in Oak Creek Canyon about a mile north of Slide Rock State park reported just before 4 pm today. It is being fought largely with aircraft. Witnesses reported to KTVK in Phoenix that fire fighting crews responded with amazing swiftness after the fire was reported.

A separate fire near Cordes Junction closed portions of Interstate 17 for about four hours.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is currently estimated to be 20 acres, burning on the north side of Highway 89 in Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.

Multiple firefighting units are responding, including two Hotshot crews, four engines, two helicopters, an air attack unit and Sedona Fire.

Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office told KTVK in Phoenix that they are requesting some evacuations and that he had heard of no fire-related injuries.

Highway 89 may close to traffic near the Slide Rock area, and evacuations are being ordered for areas just north of Slide Rock State Park. It is unknown whether there are any structures threatened at this time.

The fire is currently moving to the north and fuel treatments in the area have kept the fire from aggressive activity.

Cause is unknown at this time.

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter has opened a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, in Flagstaff for those displaced by the fire in Oak Creek Canyon.

The Sunset brush fire near Sunset Point north of Phoenix caused Interstate 17 to be closed for a time. After more than four-hours, Interstate 17 was reopened. according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At 6:30 p.m., both directions of the freeway were reopened. The left lane was closed in each direction for two miles, from milepost 254-256. There is no indication when those lanes would reopen.

The freeway had been closed from near the Sunset Point Rest Area 35 miles north of Phoenix to just south of the Cordes Junction exit at SR 69 beginning about 2 p.m.