Flagstaff

Motorists planning travel in and around Flagstaff should plan for I-40 restrictions

Motorists planning travel in and around Flagstaff should plan for I-40 restrictions

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Motorists planning travel in and around Flagstaff should plan for I-40 restrictions

Motorists planning travel in and around Flagstaff should plan for I-40 restrictions

July 21, 2021

Drivers in northern Arizona should prepare for traffic shifts and lane restrictions on Interstate 40 at Exit 191 in west Flagstaff as crews continue project work to replace a bridge, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

This location is approximately three miles west of the I-40 interchange with Interstate 17. 

Eastbound I-40 will be reduced to one lane and traffic shifted to the north side of the roadway beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 23. A similar shift will occur on Friday, July 29 for the westbound lanes. In addition, there will be a 15-foot vehicle width limit in place and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph. These restrictions will be in place through mid-fall this year. 

Ongoing restrictions at this location include the closure of the on- and off-ramps as well as the crossroad under the bridge. 

The project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2022. 

Throwback Thursday: A snow-saturated Flagstaff

Throwback Thursday: A snow-saturated Flagstaff

SR24-1

Throwback Thursday: A snow-saturated Flagstaff

Throwback Thursday: A snow-saturated Flagstaff

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications
July 15, 2021

Today, in the midst of triple-digit temperatures throughout the state, we throwback to a frosty winter’s scene in 1967 Flagstaff, showing what is today Interstate 17 meeting Interstate 40. 

Of course, at the time, the road that would become I-17 was still known as State Route 79. It officially upgraded to interstate status in 1971. And I-40 would not be formally christened in Flagstaff until 1968, a year after this photo was snapped. The entire stretch across the state would be completed in 1984.

Immediately, our eyes are drawn to the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, rising majestically over the City of Seven Wonders to a maximal apex of more than 12,600 feet.

And just below the peak, on the right side of the frame, we see the streets of downtown Flagstaff to the north, and an evergreen-shrouded Northern Arizona University immediately to its south. Not pictured: The Walkup Skydome, which wouldn’t break ground for another eight years, opening in 1977.

Nestled in the hills just west of downtown, is Lowell Observatory. At the time this photo was captured, Lowell was playing an integral role in the Apollo moon landing mission. The once-but-sadly-no-longer-a-planet Pluto was discovered there in 1930. Lowell Observatory sits atop Mars Hill… perhaps a glimpse into future discoveries.

Today, there are fewer trees and more shopping centers in the area immediately surrounding Milton Road, the street I-17 becomes after crossing I-40. But there are still plenty of ponderosa pines that peek down on visitors.

Currently, we have two ongoing I-40 projects in the Flagstaff area, and even more the further away we go. Meanwhile, I-17 has a slew of projects on deck in our Tentative Five-Year Construction Program.

So, while it continues to heat up in the Copper State this summer, we can lose ourselves in this refreshing glimpse of a time much cooler.

Drivers should plan for lane restrictions on I-40 in Flagstaff

Drivers should plan for lane restrictions on I-40 in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Drivers should plan for lane restrictions on I-40 in Flagstaff

Drivers should plan for lane restrictions on I-40 in Flagstaff

July 14, 2021

FLAGSTAFF – Drivers along Interstate 40 through Flagstaff should be aware of around-the-clock lane restrictions while the Arizona Department of Transportation continues projects to improve the much-traveled highway.

Crews continue to work on replacing pavement on 10 miles of I-40 from the I-17 interchange east to Walnut Canyon Road. Eastbound I-40 is currently narrowed to one lane between I-17 and Butler Avenue through the evening of Friday, July 16.

Next week, eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane between Butler Avenue and Country Club Drive. 

ADOT’s paving work in northern Arizona has a fairly narrow time window when it can be done. One of the most important elements for pavement preservation is having the right temperature range and sufficient sunshine. The repaving work is scheduled through the end of August, after which the project will continue on with bridge and other incidental work requiring nighttime lane restrictions through fall before going into winter shutdown. Paving work will resume next spring.

On the west end of Flagstaff along I-40, ADOT is replacing the I-40 bridges that pass over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66. Traffic is narrowed to one lane in each direction while crews work to replace half of each bridge at a time.

Right now, vehicles are using the right-hand lanes to move through the work zone, but an upcoming traffic switch will move traffic to the left-hand lanes in a couple of weeks. This will allow crews who are finishing up reconstruction of the inside lanes of the bridges to begin rebuilding the outside lanes. Two lanes in each direction of I-40 are scheduled to be open in the fall when the project goes into winter hiatus.

The nature of these projects require lane restrictions to be in place around the clock. Drivers should plan accordingly. While ADOT does encourage alternate routes where possible, truckers should avoid Forest Service roads as those dirt roads are not designed to carry large 80,000-pound vehicles.

All of this work helps extend the life of I-40, a key corridor through northern Arizona. ADOT has spent $275 million over the last five years to improve pavement and bridges along the 360-mile I-40 corridor.

For more information on these projects, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northcentral District.

ADOT repaving Interstate 40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in Flagstaff

ADOT repaving Interstate 40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT repaving Interstate 40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in Flagstaff

ADOT repaving Interstate 40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in Flagstaff

April 13, 2021

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting a project to repave a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in Flagstaff. This project will improve safety and extend the life of the highway.

The work will include replacing the existing pavement in both directions of I-40 and replacing pavement on the on- and off-ramps at four intersections in the project area. Work will also include making repairs to bridge decks along the 10-mile stretch and repairing guardrail as needed.

During construction, portions of the roadway will be reduced to a single lane. Motorists should expect slower traffic and delays. Additionally, motorists can expect some night work with on- and off-ramp closures while the ramps are being paved. 

The project is expected to last two seasons with an anticipated completion date of fall 2022.

Since 2017, ADOT has replaced pavement on 29 miles of I-40 west of Flagstaff and rebuilt 5 miles of the interstate in each direction west of Williams. ADOT has also rebuilt and repaved 28 miles of northbound I-17 south of Flagstaff. 

These projects repair the damage done over time to the highway from winter storms and heavy use by commercial vehicles.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northwest District.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

April 5, 2021

PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer. 

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks. 

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.

Expect traffic shifts through early May as work on Rio de Flag bridge continues

Expect traffic shifts through early May as work on Rio de Flag bridge continues

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Expect traffic shifts through early May as work on Rio de Flag bridge continues

Expect traffic shifts through early May as work on Rio de Flag bridge continues

March 26, 2021

PHOENIX – As the Arizona Department of Transportation continues work on the new Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall, drivers along Historic Route 66 in the area should expect traffic shifts through early May. 

Beginning Monday, March 29, all traffic will be shifted to the north side of the road, having one lane for each direction. The left-turn lane to northbound US 180, locally known as Humphreys Street, will be closed. This configuration is expected to last about three weeks.

In mid-April, all traffic will shift to the south side of the road with one lane for each direction. Left turns to northbound US 180 will continue to be closed. This configuration is expected to last though early May.

During the traffic shifts, eastbound Historic Route 66 to northbound US 180 traffic will be detoured to east Butler Avenue to north San Francisco Street to west Columbus Avenue to access north US 180.

In addition to the traffic shifts, the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph between Butler Avenue and Beaver Street, and there will be no left turns allowed at Santa Fe Avenue and US 180.

During the traffic shifts, crews will construct drilling shafts into the roadway for the new Rio de Flag bridge.

A seven-day full closure of Route 66 at the Rio de Flag bridge is tentatively planned for June with the $4.9 million project anticipated to be completed by this summer.

ADOT is also partnering with the city of Flagstaff in excavating more of the Rio de Flag Wash than needed for this bridge project in order to set the stage for future city improvement projects in the area.

ADOT seeks public input for Milton, US 180 corridor studies in Flagstaff

ADOT seeks public input for Milton, US 180 corridor studies in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT seeks public input for Milton, US 180 corridor studies in Flagstaff

ADOT seeks public input for Milton, US 180 corridor studies in Flagstaff

November 17, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting virtual public meetings this week to gather public input on the master plans for the Milton Road and US 180 corridors in Flagstaff.

The public meeting for the Milton Road Corridor Master Plan will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Residents can join the meeting by visiting azdot.gov/MiltonCorridorMasterPlan

The public meeting for the US 180 Corridor Master Plan will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Residents can join the meeting by visiting azdot.gov/US180CorridorMasterPlan

The public is encouraged to use the above websites to submit comments via an online survey. All comments on these studies will need to be received by Dec. 4. Questions and comments may also be submitted by emailing [email protected] and [email protected]. Members of the public can also submit comments by phone by calling 602-522-7777.

The purpose of the corridor master plans, which are being developed concurrently with one another, is to create a 20-year vision for the two busy transportation corridors that address current and future safety, traffic congestion and transit issues by evaluating previously recommended and newly introduced alternatives. This includes a mix of alternatives that use and maintain the existing roadways as well as alternatives that would require widening the roadways.

Milton Road, also known as SR 89A, is the primary corridor coming into Flagstaff. US 180, locally known as Humphreys Street and Fort Valley Road, is the primary corridor to Arizona Snowbowl and other snow play areas. The highway is also an alternate route to SR 64 and the Grand Canyon.

For more information on these studies, visit azdot.gov/MiltonCorridorMasterPlan and azdot.gov/US180CorridorMasterPlan.

ADOT begins work to replace Rio de Flag bridge in Flagstaff

ADOT begins work to replace Rio de Flag bridge in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT begins work to replace Rio de Flag bridge in Flagstaff

ADOT begins work to replace Rio de Flag bridge in Flagstaff

November 6, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin work to replace the Rio de Flag bridge along Historic Route 66 near Flagstaff City Hall. The work will involve the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project. 

The traditional method of replacing an at-grade bridge, like the Rio de Flag bridge, would require six to nine months of lane restrictions. By using the precast method, drivers can expect approximately six to eight weeks of lane restrictions plus a seven-day full closure to remove and replace the bridge.

The first of those lane restrictions is planned during the week of Nov. 9 as crews remove the raised median along Route 66 between US 180, known locally as Humphreys Street, and Phoenix Avenue in preparation for the bridge replacement project.

East- and westbound Route 66 will be alternately narrowed to one lane between US 180 and Phoenix Avenue. Only one direction will be restricted at a time. There will also be no left turns allowed at Santa Fe Avenue.

Traffic restrictions are scheduled around the clock, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, and continuing through 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

The seven-day full closure of Route 66 is planned for sometime next spring with the $4.9 million project anticipated to be completed by summer 2021.

ADOT is also partnering with the city of Flagstaff in excavating more of the Rio de Flag Wash than needed for this bridge project in order to set the stage for future city improvement projects in the area.

New, wider Fourth Street bridge complete in Flagstaff

New, wider Fourth Street bridge complete in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New, wider Fourth Street bridge complete in Flagstaff

New, wider Fourth Street bridge complete in Flagstaff

October 14, 2020

PHOENIX – The new Fourth Street bridge passing over Interstate 40 in Flagstaff is now complete, providing improved safety and traffic flow in the area.

The Arizona Department of Transportation used an innovative accelerated bridge construction method known as the bridge slide to construct the new bridge and complete the project in just over six months.  The slide method allowed ADOT to construct the bridges to one side, then slide them into place over one long closure which greatly reduced the impact to the traveling public.

The new bridge has two lanes in each direction, a center turn lane and a protected path for bicycles and pedestrians on one side and a sidewalk on the other. The protected path connects the Flagstaff Urban Trail System across the interstate.

The city of Flagstaff paid for half of the cost of the new Fourth Street bridge in addition to covering the cost of aesthetic enhancements.

This project also includes a resurfaced bridge deck and repairs to the pavement approaches to the Butler Avenue bridges over I-40. The total cost of the project for both bridges is $13.9 million.

For its use of accelerated bridge construction techniques on this project, the Federal Highway Administration granted the Arizona Department of Transportation an extra 5 percent of the construction cost on top of the normal federal allocation under its Increased Federal Share program. The federal allocation reduces the state's costs, and this extra money allows ADOT to put that portion of state Highway User Revenue Fund proceeds toward other priorities.

ADOT has been using different innovative methods to accelerate bridge construction for different bridges along I-40. This is the second time in the past year ADOT has used the bridge slide method. The first time was installing new Bellemont bridges at I-40 and Hughes Avenue, formerly Transwestern Road, west of Flagstaff. 

Also last year, the agency used a process known as a geosynthetic reinforced soil-integrated bridge system to rebuild the bridges on I-40 at Meteor City Road, creating abutments by putting in alternating layers of granular fill reinforced with synthetic material. That process also cut construction time by months.

ADOT improving intersection of US 180 and Route 66 in Flagstaff

ADOT improving intersection of US 180 and Route 66 in Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT improving intersection of US 180 and Route 66 in Flagstaff

ADOT improving intersection of US 180 and Route 66 in Flagstaff

July 6, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation started work on Monday, July 6, to improve traffic flow at the intersection of US 180 and Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff by adding a second right-turn lane.

The project will require restrictions on US 180, known locally as Humphreys Street, south of Cherry Avenue. No left turns will be allowed for southbound traffic at Cherry and Aspen avenues as well as Historic Route 66. Northbound traffic will not be able to make left turns at Aspen Avenue.

One lane in each direction will remain open on Humphreys Street in the work zone during the project. 

Drivers who want to travel east on Historic Route 66 or access hotels and other businesses in the project area can use Beaver Street between Dale Avenue and Historic Route 66.

Additionally, crews will install traffic signals, sidewalks and storm drain pipes on Humphreys Street and Aspen Avenue.

The work is expected to wrap up by the winter season.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the North Central District.