Two oversize loads will traverse state early Saturday to aid Navajo Nation

PHOENIX – With a large Navajo Nation farming operation facing an emergency due to a broken water pipeline, the Arizona Department of Transportation has arranged for two oversize loads carrying 17-foot-wide pipes to travel through the state from southwest to northeast early Saturday.

While ADOT doesn’t normally allow oversize loads during busy holiday travel weekends, the emergency prompted the agency to issue these permits. The loads will enter Arizona through the San Luis Port of Entry at 3 a.m. Saturday. After a trip lasting approximately eight hours, the trucks and their escort vehicles will enter New Mexico via Interstate 40 on their way to Farmington, New Mexico.

The loads are expected to pass through the Phoenix area on Interstate 10, Loop 101 (Agua Fria) and I-17 early in the morning. They are expected to reach Flagstaff on I-17 before 9 a.m. Saturday.

Drivers should exercise patience when attempting to pass an oversize load and follow the lead of escort vehicles.

The full route includes:

• State Route 195 from San Luis Port of Entry to Interstate 8 east
• I-8 east to Gila Bend
• SR 85 north to I-10 east
• I-10 east to Loop 101 (Agua Fria)
• Loop 101 (Agua Fria) to I-17 north
• I-17 north to I-40, then US 89 north from Country Club exit (milepost 201)
• US 89 north to Townsend Winona Road
• Townsend Winona Road to BIA-15 (Leupp Road
• SR 77 south BIA-6 to I-40 east
• I-40 east to New Mexico line

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.