Arizona Department of Transportation

ADOT statewide electric vehicle charger plan gets approval

ADOT statewide electric vehicle charger plan gets approval

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT statewide electric vehicle charger plan gets approval

ADOT statewide electric vehicle charger plan gets approval

September 15, 2022

Arizona is one of the first states in the nation to have its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan given the stamp of approval from the Federal Highway Administration. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation submitted its draft proposal in August and with the federal approval this week, $11.3 million will be made available immediately with another $16.3 million coming in October of this year to begin implementing the plan. This is a portion of the overall $76.5 million allocated for this program in Arizona over the next five years through the recently enacted federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) /planning/infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act

The next step for ADOT is to solicit and award the contracts to upgrade existing stations as well as develop new locations along designated alternative fuel corridors. Advertising for bids to upgrade existing stations will begin in spring of 2023 followed by bid solicitations in autumn 2023 for new construction. The plan calls for stations to be no more than 50 miles apart wherever possible. 

In many cases, stations will be located where there is already infrastructure in place, such as truck stops, roadside lodging, restaurants and shopping centers, among other possibilities. 

Currently, the alternative fuel corridors are identified as all six of the federal Interstate Highways throughout the state. These are Interstates 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, and 40 which account for more than 20 percent of all the vehicle miles traveled in Arizona. Other non-interstate corridors will be determined and included in the plan in future years. The plan will next be updated in August of 2023. 

Among the specific goals of the plan are reducing electric vehicle drivers’ “range anxiety” by closing gaps in the charging network along the designated corridors and ensuring the network is resilient, equitable, accessible and reliable. Also the plan aims to identify new charging locations as part of an ongoing public outreach process and will use data to evaluate the system and make improvements. 

A copy of the plan, more information, and contact information to leave feedback are available here: /planning/transportation-studies/arizona-electric-vehicle-program

ADOT taking steps to address traffic management in Yarnell

ADOT taking steps to address traffic management in Yarnell

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT taking steps to address traffic management in Yarnell

ADOT taking steps to address traffic management in Yarnell

September 8, 2022

Upgraded speed limit signage and pedestrian crossing signage on US 89 entering the community of Yarnell are among the immediate measures being taken by the Arizona Department of Transportation to address safety issues following a recent fatal crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. 

“ADOT’s priority is to get everyone home safely,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “I and a number of ADOT’s engineering staff met with Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes to look at how traffic can be managed better and potential solutions to improve safety for the residents of Yarnell, other nearby communities and the drivers who use this road. We look forward to a resourceful and collaborative process with area residents, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and other affected stakeholders.” 

Initially, ADOT will add pedestrian crossing signs with improved reflectivity that is more visible during both nighttime and daylight hours. The agency will also install new speed limit signs as drivers approach and enter Yarnell itself. 

As it looks into potential long-term improvements, ADOT will begin a Roadway Safety Assessment. This is a comprehensive report based on a review by a multi disciplined traffic safety team, onsite data collection, crash data and other vital information that may suggest changes to signing, striping, geometrics, traffic control or other safety improvements. 

The timeframe for the review can vary depending upon the complexity of the recommendations but is expected to be completed this fall. Also, information collected as part of the ongoing Department of Public Safety investigation of the fatal crash may help inform what potential measures could be taken to enhance safety. 

In addition to the area in and around Yarnell, an assessment will also be made about road conditions in nearby Peeples Valley.

 

ADOT to compete for federal grant to speed up US 93 improvements

ADOT to compete for federal grant to speed up US 93 improvements

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to compete for federal grant to speed up US 93 improvements

ADOT to compete for federal grant to speed up US 93 improvements

May 25, 2022

The Arizona Department of Transportation submitted a competitive grant bid that, if awarded, would allocate approximately $65 million to speed up already-planned improvement projects on US 93 between Wickenburg and Interstate 40. 

If the grant application is approved, these competitive funds would be added to state match funding and additional federal dollars, for a potential total of more than $200 million for the improvements on US 93, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. 

The prospective funding and work would come from an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It would complement work already completed by ADOT, improving safety and removing existing bottlenecks along a major route between Phoenix and Las Vegas. 

The projects include a three-mile stretch of the highway near Cane Springs, four and a half miles near Big Jim Wash and three miles near Vista Royale. Together, these three projects will widen more than 10 miles of US 93 to a four-lane divided highway. Currently, fewer than 40 miles of US 93 between Wickenburg and I-40 remain a two-lane highway.

ADOT has dedicated nearly half a billion dollars to widening and improving US 93 in this region over the last several years. ADOT's long-term vision is to transform this highly traveled route into a four-lane divided highway. 

Improvements to these three segments will enhance safety and further prepare Arizona and the region for increased population growth, as well as economic and freight activity. US 93 between Wickenburg and Kingman is designated as the Future Interstate 11. With the grant, ADOT will improve project delivery through accelerated construction techniques delivering the improvements earlier than traditionally available.

For more information:/ and https://www.transportation.gov/

 

ADOT debuts podcast

ADOT debuts podcast

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT debuts podcast

ADOT debuts podcast

May 19, 2022

Digital historians may remember when the Internet was informally known as the “information superhighway.” Now the Arizona Department of Transportation is turning that idea into reality by offering information about highways and much more, as ADOT debuts its “On the road with ADOT” podcast. 

The podcast will explore everything from the operation of freeways and highways to “Arizona Highways”, the internationally-known award-winning magazine published by ADOT. But even more than that, we will give people a glimpse into how seriously we take our responsibility to the environment, explain new technologies to build and maintain roads, offer the hows and whys of the Motor Vehicle Division and many other topics. The first podcast is now available and features ADOT Director John Halikowski.

Each podcast runs approximately 20 minutes and is available on multiple platforms including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify and Stitcher, among others. New podcasts will be released several times each month. To find and listen to the podcast, search for “On the road with ADOT” in a podcasting platform of choice.

For more information: https://vimeo.com/707050023 

ADOT to host two public meetings for I-17 Improvement Project

ADOT to host two public meetings for I-17 Improvement Project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to host two public meetings for I-17 Improvement Project

ADOT to host two public meetings for I-17 Improvement Project

March 22, 2022

With construction set to begin later this year on Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, the Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting two public meetings to share information and answer questions. 

ADOT encourages everyone to participate to find out what to expect while work is underway through 2025, and how the improvements will help reduce congestion and enhance safety and traffic flow along this busy 23-mile stretch of highway north of Phoenix. 

Anyone can attend one or both meetings to learn more, provide input and ask questions. 

PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY: A virtual public meeting is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31. ADOT’s project team will provide an overview and answer questions from meeting participants. To join the meeting, visit http://www.improvingi17.com/ at 5:45 p.m. on March 31 and follow the link to the WebEx presentation.

PARTICIPATE IN PERSON: Join the project team for an open house at Canon Elementary School, 34630 School Loop Road in Black Canyon City, on Tuesday, April 26. The open house begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6 p.m. The open house will continue from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For those who can’t make it to either meeting, there is a third option to find out about the project and ask questions. Beginning March 31 and continuing through April 26, anyone can walk through a virtual open house at http://www.improvingi17.com/. This standing open house via the project website will provide the same information as the virtual and in-person public meetings, but can be viewed at your convenience. There will still be opportunities to ask questions or make comments through this virtual open house.

Construction on the highly anticipated I-17 Improvement Project: Anthem Way to Sunset Point will begin later this year and is expected to take approximately three years to complete. Pre-construction work is currently underway. Once the major work officially begins, drivers can expect the entire 23 miles to be under construction at once and should plan their trips accordingly.

Once complete, this project will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow north of the metro Phoenix region. The 23 miles of improvements include 15 miles of roadway widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement, 10 bridge widenings, and the installation of an approximately eight-mile flex lane system from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. Flex lanes are a new feature for Arizona’s highway system and 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 8 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.  

For more information about the I-17 public meetings or this project, visit http://www.improvingi17.com/, call 877.476.1717 or email [email protected].

1,000 cubic yards of concrete poured for new Broadway Road bridge

1,000 cubic yards of concrete poured for new Broadway Road bridge

I-17 101 traffic interchange

1,000 cubic yards of concrete poured for new Broadway Road bridge

1,000 cubic yards of concrete poured for new Broadway Road bridge

January 25, 2022

What takes 11 hours to empty, weighs just over 2,000 tons and can cover a football field half a foot deep? It's the 1,000 cubic yards of concrete that was poured over the weekend in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation's Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project.

On Saturday, I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project crews completed a critical step for the foundation that will support the new Broadway Road bridge that is being constructed over I-10. They poured 1,000 cubic yards of concrete to create what is called a “bridge footing.” This footing is a large concrete slab that will play an important role in the support and distribution of weight for the new bridge. 

The new bridge over I-10 is one of several bridges being replaced or widened as part of the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. Crews will take down the existing Broadway Road bridge after the new one is completed later on in the project. 

For more information on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, visit https://i10broadwaycurve.com/  

To see video of the concrete pour: https://vimeo.com/669560984

New federal Infrastructure law is one piece of ADOT funding process

New federal Infrastructure law is one piece of ADOT funding process

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New federal Infrastructure law is one piece of ADOT funding process

New federal Infrastructure law is one piece of ADOT funding process

January 25, 2022

January 2022 ushers in a year in which funding for select future Arizona Department of Transportation projects will see an increase over the next five years. A portion of this increase is the result of the recent passage of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which uses a mix of funding determined by a formula, and money that will be available only through competitive grants. IIJA replaces the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST). The additional transportation funding is approximately a 20% increase from the existing federal funding the State of Arizona receives.

A Welcome, Complex and Transparent Program Process

“We welcome additional funding opportunities and the certainty provided by this legislation over the next five years,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Federal funding for transportation is highly complex. We are committed to making this process transparent as part of managing the public’s expectations, and will work with our federal partners and other transportation stakeholders to maximize the impact. We will continue to be aggressive and innovative to ensure Arizona takes advantage of every funding source.”

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funding

IIJA money won’t necessarily begin to flow to projects immediately, and ADOT does not yet know the timing of funding and specific final amounts. For that reason, projects that will utilize the funding cannot yet be determined.

  • Arizona expects to receive through the IIJA an increase of more than $200 million a year over the next five fiscal years between 2022 and 2026.
  • That $200 million per year is part of an overall $5.3 billion (over five years) in what is known as “formula funding” allocated to the state based on an objective formula. 
  • ADOT will retain some of that money for projects, while significant IIJA funding will be sent to local government agencies for their transportation projects, such as local street improvements, public transportation and airports. 
  • The exact funding amounts and recipients won’t be known until federal funding notices are provided by federal agencies later in 2022. 
  • Competitive funding requires transportation agencies to submit competitive bids for discretionary money available from the federal government. ADOT will rely on added guidance from federal agencies to better understand what opportunities may be available for the state to pursue. 
  • Also of note – ADOT’s construction costs have increased 56% over the last five years, which means previously approved funding does not go as far as initially forecasted.

Arizona State Transportation Board/Five Year Program

Projects funded by new money from IIJA will be approved by the Arizona State Transportation Board. ADOT projects require a robust planning and approval process. The overseeing authority is the Board, which approves a new Five Year Program each spring, with annual budgets adjusted to the latest financial forecasts set for each fiscal year. The Board awards construction contracts, monitors the status of construction projects and has the exclusive authority to issue revenue bonds for transportation financing. All meetings are open to the public.

Each year, the Board considers various updates to ADOT’s Five Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. This is essentially the blueprint for upcoming transportation projects. Projects may also require extensive review and approval for environmental, civil rights and other concerns.

Major Projects Previously Funded and Underway

As 2022 progresses, Arizonans will see significant movement on major transportation projects funded prior to the IIJA. These include a key economic corridor in southern Arizona, as well as improvement projects on both I-17 and I-10:

  • State Route 189 in Nogales.
  • Interstate 17 from Anthem Way to Sunset Point.
  • Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project
  • Another potential, future project that has received significant attention is the proposed I-11 corridor, which would span 280 miles between Nogales and Wickenburg. I-11 is in the preliminary study phase, and no funding has been identified for additional, required environmental studies, planning or other work.
  • Dozens of other projects all around the state.    

Project Investment Categories

While new roads attract significant attention, ADOT also is focused on maintaining and operating existing roads and other infrastructure. Similar to how a homeowner does maintenance on their home, ADOT plans upkeep and unplanned work to repair assets all around the state and respond to specific conditions, incidents or events. This link to ADOT’s Project Investment Categories

Visit ADOT’s website to learn more, and subscribe for updates to receive ongoing information about specific projects. 

Gregory Byres named incoming State Engineer

Gregory Byres named incoming State Engineer

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Gregory Byres named incoming State Engineer

Gregory Byres named incoming State Engineer

January 13, 2022

Gregory Byres named incoming State Engineer

ADOT veteran succeeds retiring Dallas Hammit

PHOENIX - Gregory Byres, P.E., has been named the incoming Deputy Director for Transportation and State Engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation. He will succeed Dallas Hammit, who is retiring after 22 years with ADOT. 

Byres is a seven-year veteran of the Department, having served as a senior project manager, State Roadway Engineer and in his current position as Director of the Multimodal Planning Division. As State Engineer, he will support and coordinate operations of all ADOT transportation divisions to provide a safe and reliable transportation system for the state. 

Prior to coming to ADOT, Byres owned an engineering consulting firm, which provided design services for transportation, airports, utilities and development projects for both private and public sectors. He also has a background as a consulting engineer on transportation, airport and utility projects and as a geotechnical/materials engineering consultant. 

“Greg Byres is bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and a diverse engineering background to the vital job of State Engineer,” said ADOT Director John Halikowki. “ADOT has a lot of innovative projects underway statewide to expand and improve our transportation infrastructure. Greg’s professional expertise will be invaluable to fulfilling our mission to ‘Connect Arizona. Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day’.” 

Byres is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology and he studied Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Missouri – Rolla.

 

 

ADOT State Engineer Dallas Hammit to retire

ADOT State Engineer Dallas Hammit to retire

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT State Engineer Dallas Hammit to retire

ADOT State Engineer Dallas Hammit to retire

January 11, 2022

Dallas Hammit, Arizona Department of Transportation Deputy Director and State Engineer, is retiring after a 22-year career with the agency. Hammit has the distinction of having the second-longest tenure in this crucial position having served in this job since 2014.  

The State Engineer supports and coordinates operations of all ADOT transportation divisions to provide a safe and reliable transportation system for the state. 

In his time as State Engineer, Hammit has overseen numerous significant, innovative and high-profile completed and ongoing improvements to Arizona’s system of freeways and roadways. They include:

  • The South Mountain Freeway, ADOT’s largest-ever project
  • Expansion of I-10 in Tucson
  • SR 189 in Nogales, which will greatly speed up vital commercial traffic into the U.S.
  • Expansion of the Loop 101 in metro Phoenix
  • I-17 Flex Lanes between Anthem and Sunset Point
  • Broadway Curve I-10 widening and expansion

Hammit managed the development of ADOT’s Major Projects Group that oversees large public-private partnerships. He also spearheaded significant internal improvements, such as streamlining ADOT district operations and applying tools of the Arizona Management System to help ADOT operate more efficiently and use taxpayer resources effectively. 

“One of the greatest rewards for being part of the team at ADOT is the people you are privileged to serve with who demonstrate our ADOT values of Accountability, Integrity and Respect," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "All through his ADOT career and his seven-year tenure as ADOT’s State Engineer and Deputy Director, Dallas has lived by those values and led by instilling them in others. Although we will miss his leadership, his vision and his passion for service, I know that all of us at ADOT wish Dallas a very bright future.”

Prior to becoming State Engineer, Hammit served as Senior Deputy State Engineer for Development, Deputy State Engineer for Operations, and Prescott District Engineer. He began his ADOT career in Yuma as Senior Resident Engineer, eventually becoming District Engineer.

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

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

I-17 101 traffic interchange

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