Current/Upcoming Projects - SR 88 (Apache Trail)

SR 88 roadway improvement project

The Arizona Department of Transportation in coordination with the US Forest Service began a project in fall 2022 to pave and make other improvements to an 11-mile gravel section of SR 88 (Apache Trail) between Apache Lake and the Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

The work includes installing an aggregate base and covering it with a chip seal, in addition to improving drainage features that are not functional or have been damaged by flooding. The project will also improve sight lines at five locations.

The project is intended to improve the resilience of the roadway during heavy rainfall and to reduce the amount of repair work required after flooding. Because current drainage features aren’t able to handle more severe storms, the improvements will prevent further damage and closures that limit public access.

The roughly $18 million project is expected to take about one year, with work scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Drivers should plan for flagging operations and temporary closures of up to 20 minutes while crews are working. Also, motorists should prepare to slow down and allow for extra travel time.

Learn more on the FHWA project webpage.

SR 88 Design Concept Report (DCR)/Environmental Overview (EO) Study

ADOT is currently studying the 7-mile section of SR 88 east of the Fish Creek Overlook ending at Apache Lake Marina (mileposts 222-229) that remains closed due to extensive roadway damage and rock debris.

The focus of the study is to evaluate solutions and what options are feasible from a long-term construction and maintenance cost perspective on restoring access to Apache Trail. A solution may include revegetation in the Woodbury burn scar. Major components of the study include:

Evaluating the slope and road stability at various locations
Reestablishing the roadway alignment in areas where the road was washed out.
Denoting areas with historic retaining structures or remnants of structures that may require survey and preservation

The study began in late 2022. ADOT anticipates that the study will be completed in late 2023.