ADOT, partners honored for US 180 stormwater project

ADOT and the city of Flagstaff have been recognized with an award for a significant stormwater drainage system project along US 180 below the burn scar created by the Pipeline Fire in the San Francisco Peaks a few years ago.

The American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) presented its 2025 Project Achievement Award to ADOT and the city of Flagstaff.

The Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements project along US 180 involved installation of a new reinforced concrete box culvert and other improvements to carry storm runoff away from the area. The area near Flagstaff Fire Station No. 5 and Stevanna Way in northwest Flagstaff had experienced flooding after the Pipeline Fire.

The award-winning project, completed last year, was managed by Flagstaff in collaboration with ADOT. The increased stormwater capacity in the system has significantly reduced the risk of flooding.

“This project exemplifies how concrete infrastructure can deliver fast, reliable protection in the face of natural disaster,” said Steve Hawkins, president of ACPA. “We’re proud to recognize a project that only demonstrated technical excellence, but also prioritized community safety, collaboration and long-term resilience.”

ADOT staff focused on the importance of the improvements to local residents and businesses.   

“The Schultz Creek drainage improvements in Flagstaff involved necessary and timely collaboration with the city,” said ADOT State Bridge Engineer David Benton, who accepted the award on behalf of the agency. “We need to give a lot of credit to the staff from ADOT’s Northcentral District, based in Flagstaff. They stepped up to meet the challenges that come with meeting deadlines.”

In fact, ADOT was involved with interim drainage improvements along US 180, also known as Fort Valley Road, that were completed before Arizona’s monsoon dropped more rain on the San Francisco Peaks during summer 2023. Those included repairs to a runoff pipeline running parallel to the highway.