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Work on climbing lane project begins

Work on climbing lane project begins

January 30, 2013
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If you’re familiar with the stretch of southbound I-17 just south of Camp Verde, you know there’s a bit of a steep climb involved for a few miles of the drive.

Getting over that hill can slow down larger vehicles and lead to delays, which is why ADOT, in an effort to improve safety and ease congestion in the area, has started construction of a new auxiliary lane and a new climbing lane…

This safety improvement project, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, will help facilitate the passing of trucks and slow moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway – this location carries approximately 28,000 vehicles per day, including significant truck traffic.

Construction Details
Climbing lanes, as we learned yesterday, can help ease congestion up steep hills by providing more room for vehicles traveling past slower traffic. The two-mile climbing lane on this project will be built at the top of Copper Canyon (mileposts 280-282).

As part of the project, ADOT will also add an auxiliary lane between the SR 260 and General Crook Trail traffic interchanges (mileposts 285-287).

Construction on the project started last week and, for the next several days, drivers can expect shoulder closures in both directions between SR 260 and General Crook Trail. In addition to the shoulder closures, the truck pull-out at the top of Copper Canyon will be closed for the next six months.

Drivers also should expect intermittent lane closures with minimal delays. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. 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.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

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