Plan for overnight lane restrictions on US 70 in Safford Feb. 22-26

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers traveling in Safford and Thatcher to plan for the following lane restrictions on US 70, between Reay Lane and Eighth Street (mileposts 335.6-340), for milling and paving operations:

Right turn lane restrictions will be in place nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through Thursday, Feb. 26.
- The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph in the work zone.

REMINDER: Rolling right lane restrictions on US 70 between mileposts 335.6 and 340 continue daily for ADA ramp work.

Drivers should allow extra travel time, use caution, be prepared to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through all work zones.

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US 70: Reay Lane to 8th Street Pavement Rehabilitation

Contents

Overview
Project Elements
Project Area Map
Project Schedule
Project Photos
What to Expect
Stay Informed

Overview

The Arizona Department of Transportation is conducting a pavement rehabilitation project on US 70 between Reay Lane (milepost 335.6) and 8th Street (milepost 340) in Thatcher and Safford.

The work will consist of milling (removing) the old asphalt and repaving with new asphalt. Pedestrian facility improvements, box culvert repair, fog seal, new pavement markings, sign replacement and other related work will also be completed.

This project will improve the roadway pavement condition, comply with pedestrian facility standards and repair drainage elements.

Fact Sheet (English)

Project Elements

Replace existing asphalt with new asphalt
Improve existing driveways and curb access ramps
Repair box culvert at milepost 337
Apply fog seal coat
Complete new pavement markings and replace signs

Project Area Map

UUS 70: Reay Lane to 8th Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project Map

Project Schedule

Construction on this project began in early October 2025 and is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Project Photos

Newly constructed concrete sidewalk and ADA-compliant curb ramp along US 70 between Reay Lane and 8th Street in Thatcher and Safford, Arizona.

Construction crews placing concrete forms and preparing pavement improvements on US 70 as part of the Reay Lane to 8th Street pavement rehabilitation project in Arizona.

Existing asphalt roadway conditions on US 70 between Reay Lane and 8th Street prior to pavement rehabilitation in Thatcher and Safford, Arizona.

Worn pavement surface along US 70 near Reay Lane and 8th Street before roadway rehabilitation in Thatcher and Safford, Arizona.

What to Expect

Pedestrians should anticipate intermittent curb access restrictions throughout the project area. Motorists should anticipate the following restrictions:

Intermittent daytime lane restrictions and speed reductions in the work zone for driveway and curb access ramp improvements
Nighttime lane restrictions and speed reductions for milling and paving. During milling and paving operations:
- Temporary closures to driveways and cross streets
- Traffic signals turned off/inactive at intersections. Law enforcement officers will direct traffic.

ADOT will provide information about restrictions and closures in advance. Drivers should expect delays and allow for extra time when traveling through the area.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to receive project updates and traffic alerts by email. For more information, please call the ADOT Bilingual Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or submit a question or comment by email. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter @ArizonaDOT or call 511, except while driving.