Restrictions lifted on southbound SR 87 south of Payson

PHOENIX – Crews will be removing concrete barriers on southbound State Route 87 tomorrow near Slate Creek after completing repairs, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The removal of the barriers will require the closure of the southbound lanes for 20-minute intervals between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Drivers headed to the Valley from the Mogollon Rim area should budget extra travel time and be prepared for delays.

Northbound restrictions will remain in place while crews finish rebuilding the right lane.

One lane has been closed in each direction on SR 87 between mileposts 223 and 226 so ADOT could make repairs to the roadway and drainage systems and stabilize the terrain after sensors detected slight ground movement near Slate Creek, about 25 miles south of Payson.

The project also includes moving nearly 27,000 cubic yards of dirt from the northbound side of the highway farther down the slope to help stabilize the terrain.

This safety project is expected to be completed this fall.