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State Route 260 will be intermittently closed for rock blasting operations east of Payson on Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6.

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Drivers should expect delays

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to prepare for intermittent closures of State Route 260 near Star Valley on Tuesday, Sept. 22; Tuesday, Sept. 29; and Tuesday, Oct. 6, for rock blasting operations as part of the SR 260 Lion Springs Improvement Project.

Drivers should expect delays while the following restrictions are in place between 10 a.m. and noon:

  • SR 260 will be intermittently closed for up to one hour at a time from roughly Walters Lane to the Gila County Yard (mileposts 256-257).
  • Flaggers and law enforcement officers will be on site to direct traffic.
  • Drivers should be prepared for delays of up to one hour as crews remove loose rock from the roadway.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph, with a vehicle width restriction of 14 feet.

Additional blasting will occur as the project progresses. Notification will be provided as the blasting schedule is updated.

Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

For more information, contact Jason Stephens at 480.751.7104 or [email protected].

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SR 260 Lion Springs Improvement Project

SR 260 Lion Springs Improvement Project

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Project Area Map
  3. What to Expect
  4. Stay Informed:

Overview

Project Cost: $76.2 million

The Arizona Department of Transportation has initiated a widening project along State Route 260 east of Payson.

Construction began in June 2026. The anticipated construction duration will be about two and one-half years, when factoring in anticipated annual winter shutdown periods.

Project Flyer

Major elements of the project include:

  • Adding one travel lane in each direction between mileposts (MP) 256 to 260.
  • Constructing a center-turn lane between MP 256-257 and center median between MP 257-260.
  • Constructing a new frontage road for the Diamond Point subdivision.
  • Constructing three wildlife crossovers. 
  • Improving and/or installing drainage and sediment-control facilities, including culverts, pipes and ditches.
  • Removing, replacing and extending guardrail, as necessary.
  • Dedicated right-turn lane for eastbound SR 260 at Lions Springs Road and westbound SR 260 at Dealers Choice Road. (These features were added as a result of public input received at the June 6, 2024 public meeting).
Corridor Map
Flyover Simulation
View Flyover Simulation

Project Area Map

Map SR 260 Lion Springs Improvement Project

What to Expect

Intermittent daytime lane restrictions will be in place from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 5 a.m. to noon on Fridays, as needed. One travel lane in each direction on SR 260 will be maintained during construction. There will be a 14-foot vehicle width restriction. 

When needed, flaggers and a pilot car will guide drivers through the work zone. Area drivers can expect multiple intermittent flagging operations throughout the duration of the project. ADOT advises drivers to plan for delays while work is underway.

Stay Informed:

...
  • By email: Subscribe to receive traffic alerts and project updates directly to your email or contact Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens at [email protected]. 
  • Phone: Community Relations Project Manager Jason Stephens 480.751.7104 or ADOT Project Information Line: 855.712.8530
  • Teléfono: Línea de Información del Proyecto ADOT: 855.712.8530
  • Online: Submit a question or comment through the ADOT website by visiting azdot.gov/Contact and then select “Projects” from the dropdown menu.

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Project Area Map
  3. What to Expect
  4. Stay Informed: