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With spring in the air, ADOT crews are out in the high country

With spring in the air, ADOT crews are out in the high country

April 12, 2018

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

It's that time of year again.

The flowers are in bloom, the jackets and coats are gone and families and friends are hitting the open road for vacation.

It's also the time of year when the Arizona Department of Transportation is able to get started – or restarted – projects in the high country thanks to higher temperatures and an end to snowstorms. While we always try to minimize the impact of projects and restrictions, it pays to do your research before heading to or through the high country during spring and summer.

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"We have a lot of maintenance activities to address pavement conditions, guardrail work and shoulder work throughout the district," said Chad Auker, assistant district engineer in the North Central District, which includes the highest reaches of I-17 and I-40.

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Beyond major projects underway or about to start in the Flagstaff area, Auker said there are others that can affect travel, such as planned but yet-to-be-scheduled work to apply a preventative road surface treatment on State Route 89A between Sedona and Cottonwood.

Lindy Sherrer, a maintenance superintendent in the Northeast District, pointed to several upcoming flush coat projects, including one on US 160.

"That's where you apply a thin layer of emulsified asphalt to rejuvenate the pavement," she said.

Those planning trips this spring or summer should do a little homework and build any projects and restrictions into their plans. Besides calling 511 or following ADOT's Twitter account at @ArizonaDOT, a great way to stay up-to-date is visiting the Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov.

As shown at left, clicking the tab for "Road Conditions" and checking boxes labeled "Road Work" and "Closures" allow weekend warriors to learn about any projects and restrictions that can affect travel.

In addition, those also interested in learning about unforeseen highway closures due to traffic incidents can download our free app at ADOTAlerts.com. Alerts, which are sent directly to subscribers' cellphones, include critical and timely information and provide alternate routes when available.