ADOT

Avoid a conifer catastrophe; secure your Christmas tree

Avoid a conifer catastrophe; secure your Christmas tree

Avoid a conifer catastrophe; secure your Christmas tree

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

December 6, 2021

Gathering the family together to pick out a Christmas tree might be a tradition for some, but, unfortunately, so is improperly securing it to a vehicle.

Don't be that family. You know, the one that arrives home only to discover the tree didn’t complete the journey. The family whose merriment deflates like so much crumpled wrapping paper.

Besides, trees and highways are not a merry combination. It's kind of like getting coal in your stocking.

But more than that, properly securing a tree to the vehicle saves lives. Every spruce, pine or fir that lands on a highway is a hazard and a potential crash. One family's ejected evergreen could be another family’s holiday horror.

We at the ADOT Blog see too many trees littering Arizona roadways. Too many vehicles swerving suddenly to avoid them. Too many public safety responders risking life and limb to remove them from roadways. The highway is no place for a tree.

Whether your tree was purchased at a lot or you got a permit to legally remove one from an Arizona forest, here are some tips to help secure your tree and keep your spirits bright:

Supplies: Pack strong rope, nylon ratchet straps, tie-downs and, depending on your vehicle, an old blanket that can be placed on the roof of a vehicle.
Netting: Some tree lots will offer to wrap the tree in netting. This can protect your vehicle from being scratched by branches and also helps when it's time to secure the tree to the vehicle roof.
Positioning: When placing the tree on the vehicle's roof, make sure the top of the tree is pointing behind the vehicle.
Securing: Securely strap the tree at its trunk, middle and top.
Check: Do the tug test. Pull at the tree from different angles to make sure it is snug.
Drive smart: There is a large tree atop your vehicle. Make safe and smart decisions when driving that won't cause an evergreen ejection.

And, if you do see a Christmas tree -- or anything else that doesn't belong in highway travel lanes -- please call 911 and report it so the road hazard can be removed.

To read more ADOT blogs about securing your load, click on these:

Driving safely home, secure your load

Is your load secure? Make sure!

Be responsible, secure your loads and don't litter

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Adopt a Highway: US 89 volunteers ‘Keep it grand’ on the Arizona-Utah border

Adopt a Highway: US 89 volunteers ‘Keep it grand’ on the Arizona-Utah border

Adopt a Highway: US 89 volunteers ‘Keep it grand’ on the Arizona-Utah border

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications

December 1, 2021

It could be said that Aaron and Natalie Merullo are a special welcoming committee for travelers crossing the stateline from Utah into Arizona.

The couple maintains the first mile of US 89 when motorists from Utah cross the stateline into Arizona. The Merullos' Adopt a Highway Volunteer recognition sign marks the site of a dedicated effort to reduce the impact of littering. The unfortunate truth is that litter distracts travelers from the roadside beauty of Arizona.

What better way to showcase Arizona than a pristine highway, a metaphoric red carpet for visitors and residents alike? Visitors traveling US 89 southbound from the Arizona-Utah stateline are treated to photogenic travel destinations, like Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. All that on less than a half-tank of gas.

“We chose this mile because it's closest to our house,” Aaron said. “But I love US 89. It's a great route for a road trip. Natalie encouraged us to volunteer. She wanted to make the highway look better in our neighborhood, but it's also the first impression of AZ, so we thought it was an important stretch.”

This is home to the Merullos, who live and work near the adopted segment. They drive by the “Welcome to Arizona” sign every day, which carries a new significance to them. In November, the couple tagged ADOT on Facebook, highlighting a recent clean-up effort at their adopted mile.

“Our advice to other volunteers would be to clean in the spring and fall when the weather is cool and there are no snakes around,” Aaron added. “We found a few personal items when cleaning and enough cash to take ourselves out to dinner that night.”

Arizona has hundreds of unadopted miles available that can use your help. If you are interested in starting your own group, visit us at azdot.gov/adoptahighway.

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ADOT gives thanks

ADOT gives thanks

ADOT gives thanks

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

November 24, 2021

If you grew up in the U.S., you grew up with the particularly unique holiday we call Thanksgiving.

It’s probably safe to assume that most Americans take some sort of pause at Thanksgiving, whether it’s the traditional overstuffed turkey-and-all the-trimmings meal or another tradition.

We probably forget that in virtually every other part of the world, it’s just another day. While we lace up our ancient running shoes for the “Turkey Bowl” on some dusty junior high football field, settle in for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and eventually embark on the usual culinary extravaganza, everyone outside the U.S. is living life as normal. So, in this case, we are exceptional.

To be sure, not everyone appreciates Thanksgiving. It can’t be everyone’s favorite holiday and there are historical realities that give people reasons for added reflection.

But thankfulness, well, that’s something that is universal. It’s just that our country makes a special day of it.

It might seem odd for a transportation agency to spend a moment and discuss a topic that, shall we say, could be outside our lane. But being thankful is something that requires a moment for everyone to slow down and really think about what we can be thankful for.

All sorts of cliched things could be suggested. We’ll avoid that because something one person is grateful for may not be your cup of tea. We don’t wish to offend or to assume anything.

But there is this: If you’re reading this, you have two very important reasons to give thanks. Your heart is beating and your lungs take in breath.

Never take those for granted. If nothing else, this moment is a moment to celebrate being alive, no matter your circumstances.

If we must justify this sentiment on a transportation blog, please know that ADOT’s “True North” – our guiding principle – is “Safely Home.” It’s not a slogan, we mean it.

Today you might be at home, or you’re welcoming friends and family to your home. Or perhaps you can’t be at home because of work or some other reason. But no matter what, our purpose is to do all we can to get you home, safe and sound.

We are always thankful for being a part of that.

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Resuming travel this winter? Make sure you ‘Know Snow’

Resuming travel this winter? Make sure you ‘Know Snow’

Resuming travel this winter? Make sure you ‘Know Snow’

November 16, 2021

Cooler temperatures are around the corner and that means snow in Arizona’s high country. To help travelers this winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation has partnered with the National Weather Service to create graphics that use their color code for storm severity to better inform drivers of what to expect from winter storms.

Orange is a moderate-impact snowstorm. With this type of storm, drivers should slow down when roads are slick with snow and ice and prepare to spend longer on the road. Leave extra room behind the vehicle ahead. Red is a high-impact snowstorm. In this scenario, drivers should avoid travel if possible. If delay is not possible, strongly consider using 4x4 or snow chains and prepare to spend extended amounts of time in the vehicle. Purple is an extreme-impact storm with 2 to 3 inches of snowfall per hour. Drivers should avoid travel altogether during this type of storm due to dangerous travel conditions.

In each case, drivers should pack an emergency kit that includes blankets, warm clothing, a fully charged cell phone, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.

ADOT will use these graphics on its social media accounts to help drivers know what intensity of snowstorm to expect so drivers can make informed decisions about travel. ADOT’s Twitter account @ArizonaDOT and Facebook page facebook.com/AZDOT provide real-time information and interaction.

Drivers can also check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at azdot.gov/ADOTAlerts will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway.

ADOT is also ready to help keep highways clear of snow and ice this winter with its fleet of 200 snowplows. Many of these plows include auxiliary cab heaters to keep drivers warm while not idling and wasting fuel; heated windshields to prevent wipers from freezing and getting stuck; backup cameras and a camera and laser guidance system to help guide operators; state-of-the-art lighting packages, and front flex plows that can bend in different configurations to remove snow.

If you come across a snowplow working to clear the road, always help out the plow driver by staying back until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass. Also, never assume a snowplow operator knows your vehicle is nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you.

Check out more safety tips before resuming your travels this winter season by visiting azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

ADOT Selects final Sonoran Corridor route in Pima County

ADOT Selects final Sonoran Corridor route in Pima County

ADOT Selects final Sonoran Corridor route in Pima County

November 5, 2021

Following several years of study, technical analysis and input from communities and stakeholders, the Arizona Department of Transportation has selected a final 20.47 mile corridor through Pima County.

Following several years of study, technical analysis and input from communities and stakeholders, the Arizona Department of Transportation has selected a final 20.47 mile corridor through Pima County. The Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), which was released Friday, Nov. 5, identifies the selected corridor, which stretches between Interstates 19 and 10, south of the Tucson International Airport in Pima County.

A continuous, access-controlled transportation corridor between I-19 and I-10 would:

Improve access to future activity centers
Improve regional mobility
Improve connectivity
Integrate the region’s transportation network
Address existing and future population and economic growth
Provide an alternative to avoid congestion on I-10 and I-19

The combined Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD, along with its supporting documentation, is available on the study’s website at azdot.gov/sonorancorridor. In addition, hard copies of the combined Tier 1 Final EIS/ROD document are also available for viewing at the following locations during normal business hours:

Southcentral District Office - 1221 S. 2nd St. Tucson. Please call to make an appointment. Phone: 520.388.4200

Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701 520.594.5500

Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Canada Dr. Green Valley. Phone: 520.594.5295

Sahuarita Town Clerk’s Office, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way. Phone: 520.822-8801

Subsequent Tier 2 environmental and engineering studies would need to be conducted as part of the NEPA process to further refine the selected 1,500-foot Sonoran Corridor to identify a recommended 400-foot freeway alignment and identify planned interchange locations and other project elements.

The Final Tier 1 EIS includes a phased implementation plan with preliminary recommendations for how the Sonoran Corridor could move forward into Tier 2 studies. The phased implementation plan includes smaller segments of the selected corridor alternative that may advance as separate, independent projects. These studies, which are not yet funded, would include additional analysis and more opportunities for public review and comment.

For more information about the Sonoran Corridor Study or to view the project fact sheet, please visit azdot.gov/sonorancorridor

General comments or questions about the study can be submitted to ADOT through the following methods:

Online: azdot.gov/sonorancorridor

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1.855.712.8530

Mail: c/o ADOT Communications – Sonoran Corridor, 1221 S. 2nd Ave. Tucson, AZ 85713

ADOT, Willcox seeking input on downtown freight traffic options

ADOT, Willcox seeking input on downtown freight traffic options

ADOT, Willcox seeking input on downtown freight traffic options

November 1, 2021

The Arizona Department of Transportation and the city of Willcox are asking for the public’s feedback through the end of November on two potential traffic circulation changes to reduce the impact of freight traffic while improving safety in downtown Willcox.

The two options were identified as part of an ongoing traffic circulation study and public feedback from a community survey conducted in August 2021. The study looked at current and projected heavy truck traffic that flows between Interstate 10 and the industrial area on the southeast side of the city. Currently, the only way for heavy trucks to get between those areas is along State Route 186 through downtown Willcox, creating congestion and slowing the movement of freight.

After evaluating six possible alternatives to improve traffic flow and safety, ADOT identified two preferred alternatives for further evaluation and has begun a second community survey that runs through Tuesday, Nov. 30. Public input will help ADOT determine whether to move forward with either of the options or to make no changes. This analysis is in the study phase and no funding has been allocated for construction. This analysis is in the study phase and no funding has been allocated for construction.

The options are:

An interim, short-term project that would modify Haskell Avenue (Business 10) at the intersection with Maley Street (SR 186) to remove the left-turn lanes to provide more space for trucks to turn. Left turns would instead be made from one lane that is shared by through traffic, left turns and right turns. This option would also eliminate the existing traffic signal and convert the intersection into a four-way stop.

A longer-term solution that would construct a new bypass roadway east of downtown Willcox. The road would link Maley Street at 2nd Avenue to Haskell Avenue at Rex Allen Drive, including a new at-grade railroad crossing.

The public can find the community survey at /planning/transportation-studies/willcox-circulation-study. A paper version is available at the following locations during regular business hours:

Willcox City Hall, 101 S. Railroad Ave. B

Elsie S. Hogan Community Library, 100 N. Curtis Ave.

The survey is available in both English and Spanish. All comments must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 30.

I-17 Improvement Project advances with developer agreement

I-17 Improvement Project advances with developer agreement

I-17 Improvement Project advances with developer agreement

October 28, 2021

The Arizona Department of Transportation has signed an agreement with the developer team that will design, build, operate and maintain the Interstate 17 Improvement Project from Anthem Way to Sunset Point.

The total project cost is $445,940,000, which includes the construction cost by the developer team, along with ADOT’s cost to administer the project.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022 and is expected to take approximately three years. Now that the contract is signed, work can begin on this highly anticipated project that will include 15 miles of widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City and eight miles of flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point.

The developer team is Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture. Key members of the team include Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.; Fann Contracting Inc.; Kiewit Engineering Group Inc.; DBI Services LLC; CONSOR Engineers LLC dba Apex Design; T.Y. Lin International; Lee Engineering; Terracon Consultants Inc.; Wheat Design Group, Inc.; Y2K Engineering; and Pinyon Environmental Inc.

The KFJV developer team was selected over two other finalists after an extensive review by ADOT with oversight from representatives from the Federal Highway Administration and the Maricopa Association of Governments. All three developer team finalists were encouraged to use innovation and develop alternative concepts to reduce project time and impacts to the traveling public and community while construction is underway.

Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point is a major stretch of highway that sees more than one million travelers every year. Because much of that travel and congestion occur on weekends, ADOT and the KFJV developer team will limit most of the lane closures to weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. All motorists still need to be cautious and alert in the construction zone, which will be active seven days a week.

Once complete, the I-17 Improvement Project will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow north of the metro-Phoenix region. This project will improve 23 miles of I-17, including 15 miles of roadway widening, two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement, 10 bridge widenings, and the installation of an eight-mile flex lane system—a new feature for Arizona’s highway system. Flex lanes are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations.

The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate, two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep, winding eight miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. For example, the flex lanes will be able to carry heavy northbound traffic on a Friday or heavy southbound traffic on a Sunday. Similarly, ADOT will be able to open the flex lanes to accommodate traffic any time if a crash or other incident causes long delays. The flex lanes will be next to, but physically separated from southbound I-17 using concrete barriers. Access to the flex-lane entrances will be controlled by gates.

In February, Governor Ducey announced $40 million in funding for the I-17 Improvement Project from higher-than-anticipated revenue amid Arizona’s strong economic recovery and federal COVID-relief funds. Additional project funding sources include:

$130 million of state highway funds appropriated by the state legislature in 2019

$90 million from an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant

$50 million programmed by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) for the Maricopa County portion of this project

$135.9 million from federal aid with matching state highway funds. That includes $83.6 million approved by the Arizona State Transportation Board on Oct. 15, clearing the way for construction to begin in 2022.

For more information about the I-17 Improvement Project, visit azdot.gov/i17-anthem-way-to-sunset-point.

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

Arizona Highways Magazine again glitters with awards of gold, silver and bronze

October 14, 2021

The accolades keep rolling in for Arizona Highways. The magazine published by the Arizona Department of Transportation has earned more recognition for its excellence in design, visuals, outstanding writing and production.

In its annual awards program, the International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) awarded Arizona Highways a total of 22 honors in categories including excellence in feature writing, photography, art direction, Writer of the Year, Photographer of the Year, among others.

This is the seventh straight year that Arizona Highways has received at least 16 IRMA awards.

“Arizona is known for its unique beauty, robust and diverse mixture of colorful personalities and incredible stories that we are privileged to bring to the world every month,” said Kelly Mero, Publisher of Arizona Highways.

“The real stars are the state and its people, and they make it possible for us to receive awards like these. They deserve this recognition as do the talented people inside and outside of ADOT who collaborate to make Arizona Highways come alive every month.”

IRMA is a nonprofit association of 25 regional magazines from across North America. This is the 41st annual awards competition, and entries are judged by a panel of magazine industry experts from outside of IRMA.

Arizona Highways received the following awards:

Gold award winners:

Profiles: Meet the Master | September 2020 | Kelly Vaughn

Column: August 2020, December 2020, March 2021 | Robert Stieve

Single Photo: Navajo Dancer | May 2020 | Mylo Fowler

Portrait Photo: Greg Wildman | January 2021 | Joel Grimes

Portrait Series: I Just Want to Go Home | May 2020 | David Zickl

Magazine Photographer of the Year: Jack Dykinga

Silver award winners:

Public Issues: At the End of Their Ropes | January 2021 | Noah Austin

Historic Feature: The Exodus Trail | May 2020 | Annette McGivney

Nature and Environment Feature: Ho, Ho, Ho … Green Giants | March 2021 | Tyler Williams

Essay: Breathing Space | July 2020 | Craig Childs

Photo Series: The Evolution of Landscape Photography | April 2020 | Edited by Jess Kida

Illustration: The Exodus Trail | May 2020 | Davide Bonazzi

Special Focus: The Great Escapes | July 2020

Cover: May 2020

Bronze award winners:

Travel Feature: A Trip to Remember | August 2020 | Willis Peterson

General Feature: Salvage Operation | March 2021 | Annette McGivney

Headline and Dek: Beadlemania | November 2020 | Robert Stieve

Art Direction SIngle Story: There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills | October 2020 | Keith Whitney

Magazine Writer of the Year: Kelly Vaughn

Travel Package: The Great Escapes | July 2020 | Edited by Robert Stieve

Award of Merit:

Art and Culture Feature: The Fruits of Her Labor | May 2020 | Kelly Vaughn

Recreation: In for a Bumpy Ride | June 2020 | Chel Knorr

Founded in 1925, Arizona Highways is dedicated to promoting travel to and through the state of Arizona. In addition to the world-renowned magazine known for spectacular landscape photography, Arizona Highways publishes travel guide books, calendars and other products to promote travel in Arizona. The magazine has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Learn more at arizonahighways.com and irmamagazines.com/

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect tons of trash from Arizona highways

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect tons of trash from Arizona highways

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect tons of trash from Arizona highways

September 23, 2021

Arizona Department of Transportation volunteers answered the call to participate on National CleanUp Day, Sept. 18, by removing more than 150 bags, or 2,053 pounds of trash from alongside Arizona’s highways.

Forty groups from all corners of the state: Page, Yuma, Concho, Vernon, Show Low, Prescott, Chino Valley, Congress, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Tucson, Bouse, Claypool, Sahuarita and Bullhead City, registered with ADOT for the event on the Adopt a Highway website.

Adopt a Highway Program Manager Mary Currie said, “It’s a win for communities and the state of Arizona. One-day permits offer volunteers a way to explore one type of volunteer work among many, and to be a part of the litter solution. They get first hand experience on the process for adopting and how to conduct a litter cleanup safely. Our experience has been that some of these groups decide to complete the adoption for two-years and become regular caregivers of their segment”.

More than half of the groups registering for the cleanup were new volunteers interested in participating for one day rather than a two-year adoption.

Every day Adopt a Highway program volunteers are giving back to Arizona somewhere in the state. ADOT strives to make it safe and as easy as possible for them to continue volunteering.

These individual volunteers made a positive impact for drivers on the state highway system by removing all types of litter, including: cigarette butts, plastic bags and bottles, aluminum cans, and other unsightly trash. Car bumpers and refrigerator doors were also found along the way. A very dangerous type of trash for travelers.

Michele Michelson and her group of eight volunteers opted for a one-day permit to help clean up SR 89A in Prescott Valley. “We are all very proud to be here in this beautiful sunshine to keep the county, the town and our state clean. I saw ADOT’s post on facebook and registered. Here we are and we’ll do it again. Who doesn’t want to keep their community clean. Thank you ADOT for offering this opportunity.”

In return for a two-year permit and a sign recognizing their group’s segment, Adopt a Highway volunteers agree to:

Adopt a minimum of two miles of state highway

Always wear Federal Highway Administration required ANSI Class II Safety vests

Read a safety brief and watch a safety video before each cleanup

Contact ADOT before cleaning up their sections

File an activity report after each cleanup, telling ADOT how many bags of litter was collected

Clean their sections at least once and preferably three or more times per year

Motorists can support Adopt a Highway volunteers by slowing down where people are picking up litter and always driving with extra caution and care.

To learn more about ADOT’s Adopt a Highway volunteer program, please visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway.

From professor to bridge designer

From professor to bridge designer

From professor to bridge designer

Kathy Cline/ADOT Communications

September 21, 2021

Struts, blueprints and girders filled her daydreams ... and Afrin Hossain has turned them into reality as one of ADOT's newest bridge designers!

Born in Bangladesh, Hossain's interest in bridge design came early, thanks to her father who served as a civil engineer in the country's roadway department.

"Seeing my father work," Hossaid said, "seeing the blueprints he brought home, and seeing his shoe filled with asphalt after a busy construction day is what inspired me to get my undergraduate degree in structural engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology." While there, Hossain studied structures like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. "The more I got to know about these structures the more I fascinated I became with them," she said.

Another influence and inspiration was fellow countryman and high-rise-design innovator Fazlur Rahman Khan. Khan pioneered many improvements in skyscraper and high-rise design. He designed the former Sears Tower in Chicago. He was also an early trailblazer in computer-aided design, as well. "As a Bangladeshi, I also wanted to design and build just like him," Hossain said.

Hossain eventually earned a doctorate while in Canada in structural engineering and presented her work and research in many countries. The travel gave Hossain opportunities to see structures such as the Eiffel Tower in France and the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Oregon. It was the U.S. highways and bridges, however, that inspired her the most.

"Living in the States for approximately three years, helped me gain a new appreciation for roadway infrastructures," she said. "Here, in the U.S., roadways, bridges (George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Golden Gate, other bridges in Portland, and Pittsburgh etc.), tunnels (Holland, Lincoln, Chesapeake Beach etc.), retaining walls, noise bearing walls, ramps, interchanges, nested exits - all just amazed me."

Hossain decided to settle in Arizona, and began teaching other eager students at Northern Arizona University about engineering and working with materials like steel, concrete and timber. Her enthusiasm and teaching experience helped Hossain land a job at ADOT ‒ despite the pandemic and other challenges.

What's next? Hossain says she's looking forward to designing smart hybrid bridges incorporating concrete, steel and timber. "Whenever, I drive on Arizona roadways, I always pay a close attention to infrastructure details," she says.

"I am passionate about designing irrespective of the kind of the structure: building, bridges, roadways, foundations, etc. I envision myself not only just designing but also seeing my design be built."

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