By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

The official word is out. In collaboration with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Gila River Indian Community, the Arizona Department of Transportation has issued a Request For Proposals for a design concept report and environmental study of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande.

Creating a master plan for I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande is a major step toward ADOT’s goal of providing three lanes in each direction from the Valley to Tucson. By working collaboratively with MAG and GRIC, we can develop a vision and strategy for providing the capacity that I-10 needs today and tomorrow in this important corridor. As ADOT has made significant investments to increase capacity between the state’s two largest metropolitan areas, we must respectfully work with all governments and people affected by plans for I-10.

I-10 is considered a Key Commerce Corridor, linking trade opportunities while further expanding the state’s economy.

The study, required for projects that receive federal funding, will have an accelerated timeline of 18 months when it launches this year. The study will determine when construction could begin and establish the timeline for improvements based on ADOT's Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which is updated annually.

ADOT remains committed to working in partnership to find the best solutions to address congestion on I-10.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's 
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

'Tis the season … a familiar refrain we hear now with the holidays upon us. It comes with the hustle and bustle of shopping for the right present, attending holiday parties, decorating, and the list goes on. If you are like me, the stress level goes up because there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. Instead of worrying about the to-do list, I would like to propose that we take a step back and give the gift of ourselves to others.

One way is to be a mentor or role model, especially to a teen or young driver. Let’s exhibit good driving behavior as parents. Put down the cellphone while driving – don’t drive distracted. Use turn signals. Buckle up. Obey speed limits. Avoid exhibiting road rage. Be courteous to one another in parking lots. By all means, don’t drive impaired.

Think of the benefits when teen drivers drive defensively – lives can be saved. I’d like to turn the tide that car crashes remain the leading cause of death among U.S. teens.

If you plan to travel in-state or out-of-state, make sure you are prepared to face any type of weather. Make sure you drive safely as the road conditions warrant. Pack extra clothing, blankets, food, water and medications in your vehicle for those situations where you might have to wait out a storm. Make sure you have an emergency kit, flashlight and fully charged cellphone. Stay on paved roads – that shortcut might not work out as you thought it would. If you see a stranded motorist, see if you can render assistance to them. A blanket, bottle of water or granola bar can make all the difference in helping others.

I’m sure you have heard the concept “paying it forward.” It’s the simple gesture of giving thanks and ourselves to one another. I encourage everyone to look for those moments when you can give of yourself whether it’s your time or talent to a neighbor, military veteran, health-stricken friend or total stranger. Whatever the situation, to me it’s the true meaning of the holiday season.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's 
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Safety is the No. 1 priority at the Arizona Department of Transportation. It represents a fundamental factor in deciding where to invest our transportation dollars to ensure we have a safe and reliable transportation system in the state. Our commitment to improve safety and travel on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson is evident in the number of projects currently underway, what projects have been completed in the Tucson region, and future study of the corridor.

ADOT is installing the first-in-the-nation pilot dust detection and warning system on a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Eloy and Picacho Peak in central Arizona. This particular area is prone to dust storms due to the topography and winds that appear either during our summer monsoon season or winter conditions. The purpose of the dust detection system is to provide drivers with fast information when conditions warrant. By alerting drivers via message boards of location of dust storms and their severity, plus having variable speed limits to slow drivers, it means safer travel on this important Key Commerce Corridor.

With a $54 million federal FASTLANE grant to assist with funding, ADOT is widening 8 miles of Interstate 10 and constructing new interchanges in the same area of central Arizona, to improve travel and safety. These construction projects are adding another general purpose lane in each direction and building new interchanges with State Route 87 and Interstate 8. With completion expected in the fall of 2019, I’m sure drivers will welcome the improvements.

Farther south in the Marana/Tucson area, ADOT is in the home stretch of making improvements at Interstate 10 and Ina Road. With completion scheduled for early 2019, Ina Road will cross over Interstate 10 and the railroad tracks, plus Interstate 10 will have an additional lane in both directions to help with traffic congestion and safety. Cost is $125 million.

To accommodate the growth in Tucson and Pima County, ADOT has committed significant resources to improve the connectivity and traffic needs in the last 10 years on Interstate 10. From the improvements to widen I-10 from 29th Street to Prince to Ruthrauff and to build a new interchange at Twin Peaks, over $325 million has been invested to improve safety. We aren’t done in the region as more projects are planned in the next four years to improve travel on Interstate 10 and Interstate 19.

Equally important to the projects under construction and being planned for the future is the recent announcement that the Maricopa Association of Governments, ADOT and the Gila River Indian Community are going to study I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Creating this master plan for I-10 between the Phoenix area and Casa Grande will be a major step toward ADOT’s goal of providing three lanes in each direction from the Valley to Tucson. By working collaboratively, our agencies can develop a vision and strategy for providing the capacity that I-10 needs today and tomorrow in this corridor.

On average, 55,000 to 60,000 vehicles travel on Interstate 10 on a given day between Phoenix and Tucson. It’s why ADOT continues to invest in projects that make this stretch of roadway safe to travel on for years to come.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's 
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

The Arizona Department of Transportation is making progress in laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11. The agency is continuing to invest another $155 million for improvements to US 93 over the next five years. ADOT is also investing $134 million to upgrade State Route 189 between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19 in Nogales beginning next year. While these improvements are being made, ADOT continues its work in studying the future Interstate 11 corridor between Nogales and Wickenburg.

I’ve talked about the importance of interstate freeways as Key Commerce Corridors. I-11 marks the ability to move commerce and people, and for the state to remain competitive in an ever-evolving global marketplace with an efficient transportation system. It’s why ADOT is committed to making the necessary investments on US 93 and State Route 189, which in turn support the concept of I-11.

In 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, formally designated I-11 throughout Arizona. It stated the 1-11 corridor will generally follow State Route 189 and Interstate 19 from Nogales to Tucson, Interstate 10 from Tucson to Phoenix, and US 93 from Wickenburg to the Nevada state line. ADOT continues to work with our federal, state and local partners to identify funding for I-11.

ADOT is currently funding and conducting the environmental study to identify a potential 2,000-foot wide corridor for I-11 between Nogales and Wickenburg. This Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be completed in 2020. A Tier 2 environmental study requires us to narrow a corridor into a specific freeway alignment if the build option is selected as part of the Tier 1 study. ADOT will hold public meetings in early 2019 to capture public comment.

I wish to commend my transportation colleagues in Nevada for completing the southern segment of Interstate 11 in Nevada. It is certainly a collaborative effort between our two states to connect the two largest cities in the country not directly connected by an interstate freeway – Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Progress is indeed being made in making the future Interstate 11 a reality in Arizona. To learn more about I-11, visit i11study.com/Arizona.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Who do you call when a traffic lane is blocked? The Arizona Department of Transportation ALERT (Arizona Local Emergency Response Team) teams for the Phoenix metropolitan area and highway maintenance teams are the first ones to be called by law enforcement to assist with traffic management. Our alert teams stand beside other emergency responders in the front line of safety when it comes to responding to traffic incidents like crashes.

These men and women are highly trained individuals, especially in traffic incident management procedures and techniques.

Communication is key among law enforcement, first responders and our ALERT teams to make sure everyone knows what to do and to keep everyone safe – including themselves – as they work to clear traffic lanes. If you have heard of the expression “too many cooks in the kitchen, “ you can imagine a chaotic scene on a highway if everyone didn’t have proper training and know what their responsibilities were in responding to traffic incidents. It’s why I value and appreciate what our response teams do every day.

It is important to note that next week is National Traffic Incident Management Awareness Week, Nov. 11-17. This national observance gives us the opportunity to recognize the roles and dangers faced by first responders, i.e. law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, towing operators, and transportation personnel, in responding to traffic incidents, and for motorists to be alert and drive safely.

I do want to remind motorists of our state’s Move Over law that requires motorists to move over one lane – or slow down if it’s not safe to change lanes – when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of a road or highway. I want our employees to come home safely to their families every day.

In 2017 statewide, there were 833 incidents (lanes blocked) that our teams responded to during normal or daytime hours and 1,519 during off hours or at night. So far in 2018 statewide, there have been 697 incidents during normal or daytime hours and 1,430 during off hours or at night.

Will we have a decrease in traffic incidents statewide in 2018 compared to 2017? I call upon everyone to exhibit good driver behavior (obeying traffic laws) and maybe we will see a decrease in the number of incidents our teams have to respond to.

It is comforting to know we have well-trained and experienced ADOT team members who are ready to assist with traffic management. It’s a call law enforcement can make 24/7.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Partnerships are invaluable to the Arizona Department of Transportation. When a situation unfolds where we have to close a section of highway, we call upon law enforcement and key stakeholders to work with us to find and implement solutions. The recent emergency repairs to US 89 in northern Arizona illustrate the importance of partnerships.

While receiving much needed rain for our state, Hurricane Rosa caused damage to a section of US 89 between Flagstaff and Page. The damage was a 30-foot section of road and the earth beneath it. ADOT had to move quickly to close the highway and establish a detour route that included traveling on Navajo Nation and Hopi tribal land.

We had crews work around-the-clock to keep the public safe, assess the damage, excavate the area, haul in and compact 500 cubic yards of material to restore the roadway’s base and put down 120 tons of asphalt – all done in less than 48 hours. I am proud of the dedication of so many ADOT personnel, men and women, who responded immediately and worked tirelessly so we could reopen US 89 again for residents and the traveling public.

Such an accomplishment was not possible without the partnerships ADOT has with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, leaders with the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe, Coconino County and the Federal Highway Administration. Everyone worked together to quickly and safely implement a detour route, and a plan to repair and reopen this stretch of roadway.

The repair work is short-term in nature so motorists should expect reduced speed limits through the area. To prepare for a project that will make longer-term repairs, ADOT will be assessing roadway and drainage conditions in the immediate area.

There’s value in partnerships!

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

What’s in your wallet and, if it’s your driver license, will it fly?

With almost two years to go before Oct. 1, 2020, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is reminding Arizonans to obtain the Travel ID if they plan to fly commercially or visit federal buildings. This October 2020 date is critical because that’s when the U.S. Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept standard Arizona driver licenses or IDs at airport security checkpoints.

With our process improvements at our MVD offices statewide that have shortened wait times, a trip to MVD is a lot easier than it used to be. You will find locations of MVD offices and authorized third party offices where Travel ID services are provided on the MVD website, azdot.gov/mvd, under the online link “Hours and Locations.” You can make your office appointment online as well at ServiceArizona.com.

Recently, Governor Doug Ducey visited our MVD office at 51^st Avenue and Indian School Road to witness the improvements we’ve made and acquired his own Travel ID.

Arizona residents who choose not to obtain the Travel ID will need to carry another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport, if they wish to use air travel or enter federal buildings after Oct. 1, 2020.

For a complete list of identification documents to bring with you when applying for a Travel ID, visit the Driver Services section under Motor Vehicles at azdot.gov/TravelID. The Travel ID is valid for eight years.

So let me ask you, what’s in your wallet for Travel ID?

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Enforcement and Compliance Division is celebrating the first year of training Mexican truck drivers and mechanics. This effort has resulted in safer Arizona roads and a boost to the state’s economy. Our International Border Inspection Qualification (IBIQ) program has made a dramatic difference in the number of violations found during safety inspections, number of trucks pulled off the roads for significant repairs and the amount of time drivers spend waiting at the border before they can deliver their products to U.S. markets.

This collaboration with the Mexican trucking industry makes crossing the border safer to everyone. It also supports the growth of Arizona’s economy and makes crossing the border more efficient for commercial trucking. The dramatic improvements we have seen in just one year show the commitment of our officers and the trucking community to this important program.

Our training program follows Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance guidelines which are the standard for commercial motor vehicles across the U.S. Through this training, Mexican truck drivers and mechanics learn about safety regulations they must follow to drive on U.S. roads.

Here is just a snapshot of the success we have achieved so far:

• More than 400 drivers have taken the program
• Achieved a 97 percent exam passing rate
• Offered 16 two-day training presentations
• Calculated more than 5,200 border crossings
• Recorded 141 violations
• Removed 11 vehicles from service for significant safety concerns

In addition, drivers who have completed and passed written and field exams are able to communicate with inspectors using WhatsApp. This new process has been used 118 times. It allows drivers to ask questions and make repairs before approaching the border, saving time and money. By embracing the principles behind Governor Ducey’s Arizona Management System initiative, our employees have found ways to add value to the services we offer our customers.

I commend our ECD officers and training staff for making our IBIQ program such a success in the first year of operation. We are indeed making sure commercial truck traffic is safe on our roads while ensuring Arizona’s economy continues to expand into the future.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

ADOT’s No. 1 goal – and there is no close second – is everyone getting home safely.

Every day, 24 hours a day, we strive to meet that goal in partnership with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and its troopers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep all of us safe.

That’s just one reason why last night’s events on Interstate 10 in the West Valley are so absolutely unacceptable, so outrageous, that words can’t do justice to emotions.

I won’t repeat the facts here but will refer those requiring background to this account from AZDPS.

Like anyone on our state’s highways, Trooper Tyler Edenhofer deserved to make it home safely to his family and friends. We join our brothers and sisters at AZDPS and all of Arizona in mourning the fact that he did not.

Trooper Dalin Dorris and Trooper Sean Rodecap deserved to make it home safely rather than being rushed to the hospital. We pray for their recovery.

While we all reflect, the brave troopers of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, even in mourning, are out on our highways keeping us safe. And for that I am grateful beyond words.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.
 

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

As commercial truck drivers travel on Interstate 10, they can find themselves unable to find public parking at rest areas. You may have seen commercial trucks parked along entrance ramps and freeway shoulders when rest areas are full. To me, it’s a safety issue. To provide a safer and more efficient system for these drivers, the Arizona Department of Transportation is joining departments of transportation from Texas, New Mexico and California in seeking a federal grant to develop a program alerting commercial truck drivers to available public parking at I-10 rest areas.

In 2016, these four departments of transportation formed the I-10 Corridor Coalition with the purpose of creating a safer and more efficient travel, both commercial and personal, on this important interstate. I-10 is the primary trucking route connecting markets of Southern California and Texas with international shipping.

When we launched the I-10 Corridor Coalition, this kind of collaboration is what we DOT directors had in mind. By working together, our states can create a safer environment on I-10 that will be more efficient for drivers and boost economies in the region.

The I-10 Corridor Coalition is seeking a $13.7 million Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Grant through the Federal Highway Administration. Through the grant, we are proposing a system that would inform drivers about available parking at rest areas through signs along I-10. Commercial drivers could better plan their schedules. We could improve safety by reducing the number of drivers who park along ramps and freeway shoulders, not to mention reducing time it takes drivers to find available parking spaces – cutting down on emissions and fuel consumption.

For Arizona, we would have ADOT rest areas in each direction at Bouse Wash (milepost 53) and Burnt Well (milepost 86) on the western edge, and at Texas Canyon (milepost 320) and San Simon (milepost 388) on the southeastern side of the state as part of the system.

This grant is a win-win for commercial truck drivers and a way to boost the region’s economy in moving goods more efficiently. When you combine the economies of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas, this region represents the 10th-largest economy in the world.

You can learn more about the I-10 Corridor Coalition at i10Connects.com.

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.