Scheduled blasting ends for US 60 project east of Superior

PHOENIX – After removing enough dirt and rock to fill more than 38 Olympic-size swimming pools, Arizona Department of Transportation crews have completed scheduled blasting on US 60 east of Superior to clear the way for a quicker, safer route.

In all, about 100,000 pounds of explosives helped crews remove 125,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock to create a westbound passing lane between Oak Flat and Devil’s Canyon. That included removing overhanging rocks that have posed the danger of rockslides during heavy rain.

Other improvements completed as part of this yearlong project include:

• A wider shoulder at Devil’s Canyon, at milepost 233.
• Bridge improvements at Waterfall Canyon, east of the Queen Creek Tunnel, near milepost 229.
• Drainage improvements east of Miami.

During the yearlong project, US 60 was closed twice each week for four hours to allow for blasting and removal of the dislodged dirt and rocks. That schedule was created to allow drivers to plan trips and avoid lengthy delays.

A little work remains. Smaller blasting jobs are possible, with any closures not expected to exceed 90 minutes.

Lane restrictions are expected for the next month for paving and striping, with only minor delays expected. Work from 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, until 4 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, will involve a lane closure and pilot cars escorting drivers between mileposts 241 and 242.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).