PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting a project this week to make permanent repairs to a section of US 89 near Cameron that was washed out when the state was hit with severe rain from remnants of Hurricane Rosa in October 2018.

ADOT was able to complete emergency repairs of that 30-foot section of US 89 in less than 48 hours after the road washed out to ensure motorists had a safe driving route to a large area of northern Arizona.

In addition to serving local traffic, this stretch of highway is a significant travel corridor for people heading to tourist destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley and other locations. 

During this project ADOT will utilize smart work zone technology to help maintain traffic flow and reduce the potential for crashes. Portable message boards will be placed ahead of the work zone providing drivers with real time traffic speed  information from sensors as they approach. Emergency vehicles will be given a high priority to get through.

Throughout most of the project, traffic will be maintained in both directions; however, there will be times where the highway will be restricted to one lane only. A temporary traffic signal will be in place to direct traffic through the work zone when necessary. 

Located about 4 miles north of Cameron, the work consists of reconstructing that segment of US 89, improving the drainage system in the area and removing an old abandoned bridge.

In order to reopen the highway in less than 48 hours after the flood damage in 2018, more than 40 ADOT personnel responding from as far away as Page, Payson and Williams had to thoroughly assess the site, excavate the damaged areas, haul in and compact 500 cubic yards of material to restore the roadway’s base, and put down 120 tons of asphalt pavement.

The $1.7 million project is expected to be completed by the fall.

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

PHOENIX – Those taking State Route 88 (Apache Trail) between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat should use caution with some areas at the edge of the roadway coned off while the Arizona Department of Transportation addresses flood damage.

Because those areas narrow the roadway at points, towing trailers isn’t advised along the winding, two-lane stretch between Needle Vista Viewpoint (milepost 204) and Tortilla Flat (milepost 213) that also leads to Canyon Lake. Those who decide to tow trailers should slow down and keep in mind that the coned-off areas at the roadway edge can make negotiating this section more challenging.

Meanwhile, an unpaved stretch of SR 88 between Tortilla Flat and just west of Apache Lake (milepost 228) remains closed indefinitely because of flood damage from hurricane remnants that dumped heavy rain last month. Motorists can access Apache Lake by taking SR 188 from either US 60 or SR 87 and then SR 88 west. High-clearance vehicles are recommended on this unpaved section of SR 88.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

PHOENIX – Working around the clock to protect motorists and restore a key route through northern Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation has reopened US 89 after flooding severed the roadway late Wednesday between Flagstaff and Page.

“It’s testimony to the dedication of so many ADOT personnel, men and women who responded immediately and worked tirelessly, that residents, tourists and commercial vehicles are once again using US 89,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We’re grateful to our partners, including the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Coconino County and Federal Highway Administration, who stepped forward to help keep traffic moving through the region and get this critical work done.”

The flooding, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Rosa, cut through a 30-foot section of US 89 and the earth beneath it, necessitating extensive repairs and closing the highway between Cameron and US 160 on the Navajo Nation.

With short-term repairs complete, motorists should expect reduced speed limits through the area.

Reopening the highway in less than 48 hours was no small task. To get traffic moving again, more than 40 ADOT personnel responding from as far away as Page, Payson and Williams had to thoroughly assess the site, excavate the damaged areas, haul in and compact 500 cubic yards of material to restore the roadway’s base, and put down 120 tons of asphalt pavement.

To prepare for a project that will make longer-term repairs, ADOT will assess roadway and drainage conditions in the immediate area.

ADOT coordinated with AZDPS, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe on a temporary detour route using Interstate 40, State Route 87, State Route 264 and US 160 to keep traffic moving through the region. That detour nearly doubled the driving distance for those traveling between Flagstaff and Page.

ADOT will seek reimbursement for the repairs through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.

PHOENIX – Recent storms have given Arizonans in the market for used cars even more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales. Cars damaged by floodwaters such as those resulting from Hurricane Florence can sometimes find their way to Arizona to be sold.

If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But scammers can and do fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.

“We want to make sure potential buyers remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles and not sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper,” said Willie Hall, detective sergeant with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which investigates fraud involving titles and vehicle sales. “Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repackaged and dressed up are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.”

Potential buyers should closely inspect vehicles and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

• Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Criminals usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.

• Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. Get under the vehicle and check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re looking at buying checked out by a trusted auto mechanic.

A vehicle identification number can be used to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “non-repairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

For more information: azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips, 24-hour fraud hotline at 602.277.5684 or 877.712.2370 (outside Phoenix) or email [email protected].

PHOENIX – For the second summer, heavy monsoon rain falling on areas of Mount Graham damaged by the 2017 Frye Fire is causing flooding and potential damage to State Route 366 southwest of Safford.

Those using the roadway, also known as Swift Trail, should drive slowly and watch for potential damage along the road, which runs west of US 191 about 20 miles south of Safford. Current conditions are expected to remain through the end of the monsoon, which ends Sept. 30.

The lightning-caused Frye Fire burned more than 48,000 acres on Mount Graham. Some areas along Swift Trail were closed from late July through mid-September in 2017 because of damage to dirt roads caused by monsoon rains.

Swift Trail is an Arizona Scenic Byway that begins at the base of Mount Graham and leads to recreational areas, campgrounds and cabins on the mountain.

PHOENIX – After hurricanes that caused widespread flooding in Texas and Florida, Arizonans in the market for used cars have even more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales.

As happened after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, vehicles damaged by floodwater are likely to find their way to Arizona and other states and offered to unsuspecting buyers.

If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But scammers can and do fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.

“We want to make sure potential buyers remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles and not sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper,” said Willie Hall, detective sergeant with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which investigates fraud involving titles and vehicle sales. “Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repackaged and dressed up are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.”

Potential buyers should closely inspect vehicles and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

• Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Criminals usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.

• Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. Get under the vehicle and check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re looking at buying checked out by a trusted auto mechanic.

A vehicle identification number can be used to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “non-repairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

Generally speaking, when it comes to buying a used vehicle in a private sale, it’s important to take the time and ask lots of questions. There are no dumb questions in a big purchase like this. If the seller is acting suspiciously, being evasive or uncooperative, walk away. Take the time to find the right purchase.

Additional tips can be found on ADOT’s website at azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips.

Seek help if you’ve been scammed. ADOT is here to help victims of fraud involving vehicle titles, registrations and driver licenses. Call our 24-hour fraud hotline at 877.712.2370 or email [email protected].