I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 87 repair project restrictions in place around the clock south of Payson

SR 87 repair project restrictions in place around the clock south of Payson

July 20, 2017

PHOENIX – Drivers should budget extra time and consider an alternate route between the Phoenix area and Rim Country, especially on the weekends, with State Route 87 reduced to one lane in each direction south of Payson for a critically needed project that is repairing a section of highway and stabilizing the terrain around it.

The Arizona Department of Transportation work zone is near Slate Creek, about 25 miles south of Payson between mileposts 223 and 226. The lane restrictions are in place around the clock through the fall, though ADOT plans to lift the lane closures over Labor Day weekend.

As an alternative, drivers may want to consider taking SR 260 between Interstate 17 at Camp Verde and Payson, especially on weekends.

The SR 87 project is part of a larger effort to repair infrastructure damage and stabilize the terrain after devices used to measure ground movement registered some movement in slopes next to the highway. Over the next several months, crews will move nearly 27,000 cubic yards of dirt from along the northbound side of the highway to a location downhill.

A paving project on another main route to the White Mountains is now scheduled to start Monday, July 24. Crews will be paving US 60 through the Salt River Canyon area between Globe and Show Low. The work will take place Mondays through Fridays in segments through the 16-mile project area. The highway will be restricted to one lane with flagging operations guiding vehicles through the work zone, and drivers should be prepared for delays of up to 30 minutes.

The Salt River Canyon Rest Area will also temporarily close to the public for about two weeks beginning Sunday, July 23.