Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Interstate 11 Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement available for public review

Interstate 11 Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement available for public review

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Interstate 11 Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement available for public review

Interstate 11 Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement available for public review

July 16, 2021

The Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for the 280-mile Interstate 11 study corridor – stretching from Nogales to Wickenburg – is now available for public review. 

After five years of study, technical analysis and input from communities and stakeholders, this publication of the I-11 Final Tier 1 EIS marks a milestone for the proposed corridor.

The Final Tier 1 EIS, including a Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation, is available at i11study.com/Arizona/index.asp.

The website also lists locations throughout the study area where a hard copy of the Final Tier 1 EIS is available for review. The 30-day public review period runs through the close of business on Monday, Aug. 16. For information on how to submit a comment, visit the Contact Us page on the study website. That link is here: i11study.com/Arizona/ContactUs.asp.

Prepared by the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, the Final Tier 1 EIS was completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It outlines the Preferred Corridor Alternative, including a parallel analysis of the No-Build Alternative.

The Final Tier 1 EIS focuses on the 2,000-foot-wide Preferred Corridor Alternative and the changes that were made since the publication of the 2,000-foot-wide Recommended Corridor Alternative in the Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement in April 2019.

The Final Tier 1 EIS document is presented in a condensed format that avoids repetition of material from the Draft Tier 1 EIS. The Final Tier 1 EIS is a much shorter document, references the Draft Tier 1 EIS, and includes a complete overview of the project and its impacts on the environment. ADOT and FHWA decided to use the condensed format, in part, to streamline complex information as requested by several cooperating and participating agencies.

In addition to the Final Tier 1 EIS document that will be posted online and available as a hard copy document at designated repository locations, an Interactive EIS will also be available on the I-11 study website: i11study.com/Arizona/index.asp. This is the first time that ADOT has published an Interactive EIS. It contains the same information as the traditional Final Tier 1 EIS document in an interactive and engaging format. 

ADOT and FHWA listened to and read every public comment submitted during the Tier 1 study. The study team gave consideration to comments from the public and stakeholders during the Draft Tier 1 EIS 90-day public comment period from April 5, 2019 through July 8, 2019. ADOT and FHWA made changes to the corridor after the Draft Tier 1 EIS public comment process was complete. Appendix H of the Final Tier 1 EIS documents the comments received on the Draft Tier 1 EIS and provides responses to those comments. Appendix H can be found here: i11study.com/Arizona/Documents.asp.

The process to develop a Preferred Corridor Alternative for the Final Tier 1 EIS included technical analysis; coordination with study partners such as cooperating agencies, participating agencies and tribal governments; and the review and consideration of public input received at study milestones.

Once the 30-day public review period is complete for the Final Tier 1 EIS, ADOT and FHWA will work toward a Record of Decision (ROD). That document, which is scheduled to be published in late 2021, will identify a Selected Corridor Alternative or the No-Build Option. The ROD marks the end of the Tier 1 EIS process.

If a build corridor is selected at the end of the Tier 1 study, further Tier 2 studies and evaluations must take place before construction could be considered. The corridor would be narrowed to a highway alignment, which is about 400 feet wide. An alignment determining where I-11 could be built would be decided during a future phase of design and environmental studies. Currently there are no plans or funding available to initiate these Tier 2 studies.

The proposed I-11 is envisioned as a multi-use corridor that would provide a connection from Mexico to the Hoover Dam, connecting with I-11 in Nevada. This proposed statewide highway would improve Arizona’s access to regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for enhanced travel, mobility, trade, commerce, job growth and economic competitiveness. While the evaluation phase of this high-priority and high-capacity transportation corridor has begun, funding for further studies, design and construction has not been identified.

In 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, formally designated I-11 in Arizona. The designation doesn’t include funding but identifies I-11 as a high-priority corridor eligible for federal funding. I-11 is envisioned to include a combination of new and existing roadways.

For more information about I-11 and the Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement, visit i11study.com/Arizona/index.asp.

For the 2020 Census and transportation, everyone counts

For the 2020 Census and transportation, everyone counts

For the 2020 Census and transportation, everyone counts

For the 2020 Census and transportation, everyone counts

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
April 6, 2020

 

With 2020 Census upon us, everyone counts when it comes to transportation funding.

As we told you last week, census figures play heavily into how federal funding is apportioned to various states. Each person recorded on the census in Arizona equals nearly $3,000 in federal funding per year toward such things as transportation, community centers, housing and medical services. On the transportation side, federal funding – again, linked to census data – accounts for more than 90 percent of the money that is put into road projects throughout the state. And we're not talking only about state highways here, but county and municipal projects. Census data is also used on the state level for calculating distributions from the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF).

In fiscal 2019, federal transportation funding added up to nearly $737 million for Arizona. Much of the annual allocation goes toward programs improving the national highway system, addressing congestion mitigation and air quality, and supporting metropolitan planning and surface transportation. Federal transportation programs for local governments and metropolitan planning organizations, such as the Maricopa Association of Governments and Pima Association of Governments, provided nearly $100 million in fiscal 2019.

Population is a leading factor in how the Federal Transit Administration allocates funds for the formula grants ADOT administers for rural areas, going toward capital, planning and operating assistance. It’s also a leading way the federal government allocates formula grants for transit capital, operating assistance and planning in urban areas.

So now that you are all enthused for filling out the census, how do you do it? Well, you can get more information and fill it out online by visiting census.gov. You also can help by following and sharing from @AZCensus2020 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ADOT’s I-17 wrong-way alert system wins national safety honor

ADOT’s I-17 wrong-way alert system wins national safety honor

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s I-17 wrong-way alert system wins national safety honor

ADOT’s I-17 wrong-way alert system wins national safety honor

October 24, 2019

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has received a 2019 National Roadway Safety Award for the wrong-way vehicle alert system being tested on Interstate 17 in Phoenix.

ADOT’s project is one of seven nationally to receive the awards, in which the Federal Highway Administration and Roadway Safety Foundation recognize roadway safety achievements that move the United States toward a goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.

“This award acknowledges a key part of Arizona’s aggressive, coordinated response to reduce the risk of serious crashes caused by wrong-way drivers and make our roads safer,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “In addition to innovative engineering that’s leading the nation, we’ve increased penalties for those who drive the wrong way while impaired and invested in having more state troopers patrolling during nighttime hours, when wrong-way driving occurs most. We have more work to do, and improving safety for all our road users will continue to be a priority.”

This first-in-the-nation, $4 million system installed along 15 miles of I-17 uses thermal cameras to detect and track wrong-way vehicles while also immediately alerting ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This can save state troopers valuable time in responding to incidents rather than waiting for 911 calls from other motorists, while also allowing ADOT to quickly alert other drivers via overhead message boards.

Since ADOT installed it in early 2018, the I-17 system has detected more than 90 wrong-way drivers, nearly all of whom turned around on off-ramps. 

The system’s 90 thermal cameras are positioned to detect wrong-way vehicles entering off-ramps or traveling along I-17. A detection also triggers an internally illuminated wrong-way sign with flashing red lights aimed at getting the attention of wrong-way drivers.

ADOT is completing an evaluation of the I-17 system to determine which elements should be used on other freeways, including the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.

For more information on the award, please visit RoadwaySafety.org.

Drones provide awe-inspiring perspective on highways, projects, landscapes

Drones provide awe-inspiring perspective on highways, projects, landscapes

Drones provide awe-inspiring perspective on highways, projects, landscapes

Drones provide awe-inspiring perspective on highways, projects, landscapes

October 18, 2018

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

As the saying goes, a picture is worth of thousand words. With that in mind, we'll let the footage above, showing State Route 179 south of Sedona, speak for itself.

These awe-inspiring views wouldn't have been possible without two drones we're now using in ADOT Communications thanks to a federal grant that also covered training for two drone pilots recently certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

One of our goals at ADOT is making transportation personal. These drones will help us do that by offering a new perspective on highways and improvement projects.

"Many of ADOT’s projects are so large that it’s really tough to give the viewer a true perspective on the scale of the work being done," said John Dougherty, one of our drone pilots. "By being able to get above, away from and around the project, we can better illustrate the work being done.”

Dougherty captured some breathtaking aerials of ADOT projects including the work on the interchange of Interstate 10 and State Route 87.

"We are capturing visuals that we’ve never been able to get without access to a helicopter," said Kim Katchur, ADOT's video production project manager. "The I-10/SR 87 project is a great example."

Flying a drone isn't as simple as flying a radio-controlled model airplane, Dougherty said. There are procedures and protocols to follow to protect safety and property.

"If I’m asked to shoot video with one of our drones, I first need to verify what category of airspace I’ll be flying and ask permission from the air traffic control if I’m within the airspace of an airport," Dougherty said. "I also need to be aware of things like migratory birds and other wildlife. I can’t fly over people, traffic, or at night. And I’ll need permission to fly in a wilderness area such as a state park.”

Viewing these videos, it's clear that the effort is well worth it, and we look forward to bringing you more stirring views from above showing our highways and projects as well as Arizona's natural beauty.

From the Director: Helping truck drivers find public parking at rest areas

From the Director: Helping truck drivers find public parking at rest areas

From the Director: Helping truck drivers find public parking at rest areas

From the Director: Helping truck drivers find public parking at rest areas

July 10, 2018

Trucks

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.


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

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

 

Throwback Thursday: Public meetings and posters

Throwback Thursday: Public meetings and posters

Throwback Thursday: Public meetings and posters

Throwback Thursday: Public meetings and posters

May 17, 2018

Globe Interchange Map

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications

The visuals may be a little better these days, but there’s definitely a lot to recognize in this map presented at a 1971 public hearing on a proposed connector for US 60 and US 70 in Globe.

The current route of US 60 between the metro Phoenix area and Superior, Miami and Globe was mostly determined in the 1940s and 1950s. Between Miami and Globe, most of the route was built and modernized to four lanes using existing city streets in the 1950s. In Globe in particular, that meant mainly Hill Street. That finally changed in 1977 when the highway was moved off the narrow city streets to the route that exists today.

According to a 1971 Draft Environmental Impact Statement produced by the Arizona Highway Department (the precursor to ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration, the goal of the road realignment was a “safer, more capacious through route” that would address congestion in Globe “produced by the hazardous convergence of local and foreign traffic…” Average daily traffic on the highway at the time was calculated at 10,000 vehicles per day, the document says.

2018-0517-map-at-globe-public

Map at Globe public meeting

Part of the problem, according to statement, is the speed limit dropped from 50 to 60 mph, on either side of Globe, to 25 mph in the more congested parts of the city. Two 90-degree turns at intersections were another challenge. The road was also prone to complete stoppage due to vehicles trying to make a left-hand turn off the highway.

Some thought was given to widening and resurfacing the existing highway, and to adding more traffic signals, but that was deemed unfeasible because of the heavy volume of traffic. The Arizona Highway Department also offered a slightly tweaked alternate route around downtown Globe as a possibility.

A public meeting was scheduled for April 28, 1971, in the American Legion Building on Broad Street in Globe to talk about the proposed connector.

2018-0517-globe-public-meeting-attendees

Globe public meeting attendees

And that’s what this photo is about – meeting with locals to discuss the road’s new alignment. You can see the public turnout (and presumable interest) for yourself.

Much has changed since this meeting – including our name and definitely the quality of our poster boards ­– but the one constant is our commitment to gathering public input to design the best improvements for you.

Just a few recent examples of this: Last month, ADOT held a public meeting in Black Canyon City to discuss improvements to Interstate 17 between Anthem and Cordes Junction. The agency held two public meetings in Flagstaff on May 3 and May 10 to discuss US 180 and Milton Road. It also has two upcoming meetings planned on May 22 and May 30 in Ahwatukee and Laveen to discuss two additional interchanges under consideration for the South Mountain Freeway.

So next time we advertise a public meeting, know that we are committed to hearing from you about what you want in your roadways – and that we do a better job taping maps to walls now.

Agreement gives ADOT environmental review authority for certain projects

Agreement gives ADOT environmental review authority for certain projects

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Agreement gives ADOT environmental review authority for certain projects

Agreement gives ADOT environmental review authority for certain projects

January 4, 2018

PHOENIX – When the Arizona Department of Transportation installs a digital message board, rehabilitates a bridge, renovates a rest area or takes on similar work that makes up nearly all of its projects requiring compliance with federal environmental regulations, the speed of completion can depend in part on coordination with and review by multiple federal agencies.

Recognizing that states can comply with federal environmental requirements on their own while streamlining processes, a new agreement assigns ADOT environmental review authority and responsibility for many projects found to not have significant environmental impacts. A Memorandum of Understanding signed Wednesday by ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration applies to projects commonly referred to as Categorical Exclusions.

“Governor Ducey has challenged state agencies to eliminate red tape and work at the speed of business, and this agreement allows ADOT to accomplish both,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “We can manage projects more efficiently while continuing to meet strict environmental requirements.”

Congress recognized the benefits of such agreements with legislation creating a program known as CE Assignment to expedite environmental review. This allows a state to assume decision-making and legal responsibility for meeting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws otherwise administered by the Federal Highway Administration for projects qualifying as Categorical Exclusions.

Alaska, California, Florida, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and Utah have taken or are pursuing similar action.

To qualify as Categorical Exclusions projects must not significantly affect air, noise or water quality, natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resources, planned growth or land use, or travel patterns. They also must not require the relocation of significant numbers of people. Categorical Exclusions may require additional environmental analysis and coordination to confirm whether the designation is appropriate.

Other examples of projects that can qualify as Categorical Exclusions include rehabilitating highways, installing ramp meters, adding landscaping, installing utilities along and across highways, and installing fencing, pavement markings, traffic signals and railroad warnings.

ADOT is developing a second Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Highway Administration under what’s known as the NEPA Assignment Program for highway projects that require either an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. That agreement is expected to be in place later this year.

Transportation innovation event showcases exciting new ideas

Transportation innovation event showcases exciting new ideas

Transportation innovation event showcases exciting new ideas

Transportation innovation event showcases exciting new ideas

October 5, 2016

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

The transportation world is poised to rapidly change with the advent of autonomous vehicles and ride-sharing companies and an increased desire from the public for multimodal options. For agencies like ADOT, innovation is vital to serving future generations.

Luckily, we have the Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation, a product of the Federal Highway Administration’s Every Day Counts Initiative. Formed in 2012, the council supports innovative technologies and techniques to ensure smart, efficient investment in Arizona's highways and other transportation infrastructure.

The council is made up of officials from ADOT, the Federal Highway Administration and Maricopa and Pima counties, along with engineering professionals.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the council held its first all-day Innovation Exchange Campaign event in Tempe, bringing together transportation professionals and engineers from government organizations such as ADOT and from companies.

The photo above shows David Riley (left) and Andy Murray of ADOT’s Traffic Technology Group explaining a test involving the timing of ramp meters along State Route 51 in Phoenix. This test is aimed at seeing if adjusting meters can improve traffic flow.

Other booths featured innovations like the ability to produce high-quality digital mapping from a moving vehicle, methods to more efficiently and intelligently manage traffic flow, new synthetic materials to increase the lifespan of transportation infrastructure and even 3D printed recyclable vehicles.

“New innovations help make things smarter, faster and more cost-efficient,” said Karla Petty, Arizona division administrator for the Federal Highway Administration and co-chair of the Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation. “Innovation allows us to get more out of what we have.”

A who's who of involvement in the I-11 study process

A who's who of involvement in the I-11 study process

A who's who of involvement in the I-11 study process

A who's who of involvement in the I-11 study process

July 27, 2016

By Brock Barnhart / ADOT Communications

"Who's Involved in I-11" Infographic

It takes many people, from the planning phase through construction, to take a proposed project like Interstate 11 from an initial concept to a transportation solution. With a three-year environmental study that began recently for a corridor between Nogales and Wickenburg, here’s a quick rundown of who’s involved. You can also click on the infographic to expand it.

Lead agencies

The Federal Highway Administration is the federal lead agency and the Arizona Department of Transportation the local study sponsor for the ongoing Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement required under the National Environmental Policy Act. Together, they lead the environmental review process and guide involvement from others.

Cooperating agencies

These include federal agencies with jurisdiction or special expertise regarding environmental impacts. Other agencies or tribal governments may also qualify if the Federal Highway Administration concurs. Cooperating agencies typically have a higher degree of involvement in the environmental review process.

Participating agencies

Certain federal, state, tribal, regional and local agencies with an interest in the study provide meaningful and specific insights. The role of participating agencies is broader and less-involved than that of cooperating agencies.

Public at-large

These partners range from other agencies to organizations to individuals who wish to be involved. These stakeholders tend to have specific interests in the study, such as living or working in the study area. This effort could not be done without their participation and involvement.


Editor's Note: We shared today that the start of the I-11 Wickenburg-to-Nogales study process had strong involvement from the public. Everyone can provide input at any time. Please visit i11study.com/arizona for information on the study and ways to get involved.

South Mountain Freeway receives final federal approval

South Mountain Freeway receives final federal approval

South Mountain Freeway receives final federal approval

South Mountain Freeway receives final federal approval

March 11, 2015

A map of the selected alternative.

In case you missed the news yesterday…

The Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway has received final approval from the Federal Highway Administration, which means ADOT can now move the project forward.

The Record of Decision, signed March 5 by the Federal Highway Administration, grants the final approval necessary for ADOT to begin the process of acquiring right of way, complete the design and begin construction of the 22-mile-long freeway to serve the metro Phoenix region.

Looking back

If you’ve lived in Arizona for a while, you’ve probably been hearing about the proposed South Mountain Freeway since the 80s.

It has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300, approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

More recently, you might also remember the environmental review process, which included preparing both draft and final environmental impact statements.

Looking ahead

The recent Record of Decision will allow ADOT to begin final design and subsequent construction of the South Mountain Freeway. Acquisition of right of way is expected to begin immediately. ADOT has determined that, pursuant to an unsolicited proposal submitted to construct the freeway, construction will follow a public-private partnership path, helping to speed construction and reduce overall costs. The freeway would not be tolled under any public-private partnership proposal, but would include a private group involved with final design, construction and a 30-year agreement to maintain the freeway.

The freeway will be constructed with four lanes in each direction – three general-use lanes and one HOV lane – and modern features that have made Arizona freeways stand apart from other states for a generation, including rubberized asphalt and aesthetics designed in partnership with the community. The $1.9 billion project is expected to take about four years to construct.

Got questions?

You can also revisit some of our previous blog posts.