Summer paving projects kick off in northern Arizona

PHOENIX – Mild summer weather that makes Arizona’s high country a magnet for travelers also allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin work on paving projects, including one that will create a smoother ride along 12 miles of Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff.

While ADOT endeavors to avoid work on summer weekends and holidays in the high country, motorists should do their research and be prepared for restrictions that may be in place even if work isn’t occurring on a project. For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511. In addition, ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is an excellent source of information and interaction.

On Sunday night, June 11, crews will begin repaving both directions of I-40 between Parks and A-1 Mountain, a stretch that has seen pavement damage from a combination of winter freeze-thaw cycles and snowplowing, in addition to heavy use by commercial vehicles.

The work will take place overnight between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sundays through Fridays. Temporary lane restrictions will be required while crews are paving; however, one lane will remain open in each direction along I-40 during the repaving work. Crews will start near Parks at milepost 179 and work east toward Flagstaff.

The majority of the I-40 work is expected to be completed later this fall, with final paving work happening next spring.

On June 12, ADOT will begin a pavement preservation project on State Route 87 approximately 20 miles north of Strawberry. Work will occur on a 26-mile stretch between Lake Mary Road and milepost 317 during the day Monday through Friday.

One lane will remain open at all times, with a pilot car guiding drivers through the work zone. No work is expected on weekends and holidays.

A similar project with similar restrictions is already underway on a 27-mile stretch of State Route 389 in northern Arizona between Colorado City and milepost 28, just west of Fredonia.

Both of these pavement preservation projects are anticipated to be complete later this summer.

Drivers should proceed through work zones with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

For more information on these and other ADOT projects, visit azdot.gov.