Flood Damage

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

January 10, 2024

Vehicles in floods or severe weather may not be properly identified

PHOENIX – As winter weather patterns start to bring much-needed rain and snow, a possible side effect could be troublesome for those looking to purchase a vehicle. Cars damaged by floodwaters, such as those resulting from the recent 20-25 foot waves or heavy rain storms in California, can sometimes be sold by unscrupulous individuals.

When looking for a new-to-you vehicle, it is important to know its history. Pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and title status, especially in private sales. If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But occasionally people fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles, making it more difficult to title or insure the vehicle after the sale is completed.

Potential buyers should remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles, closely inspect the vehicle, don’t sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

 ADOT recommends buyers follow these guidelines:

  • Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look 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. Scammers 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. If possible, ask an auto mechanic you trust to 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.

Don’t lose your hard-earned money; walk away if you see any of these red flags.

A buyer can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) 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 “nonrepairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

Visit the MVD website for more information about buying or selling a vehicle. 

 

ADOT begins long-term repairs to section of US 89 washed out in 2018

ADOT begins long-term repairs to section of US 89 washed out in 2018

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT begins long-term repairs to section of US 89 washed out in 2018

ADOT begins long-term repairs to section of US 89 washed out in 2018

March 22, 2021

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.

ADOT ready for potential flooding following wildfires

ADOT ready for potential flooding following wildfires

ADOT ready for potential flooding following wildfires

ADOT ready for potential flooding following wildfires

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
August 27, 2020

After the Bush Fire was contained and put out, ADOT began to do its evaluation of the damage. In addition to more than 11 miles of guardrail and right-of-way fence damage along SR 87 and SR 188, south of Payson, the land itself was damaged with a lot of the vegetation burned up as fuel for the fire. 

This left the area more susceptible to flooding in the event of monsoon storms. 

Realizing this possibility, ADOT reached out to the National Weather Service and began to develop an emergency action plan that could help cut response times in the event of flooding in the area. 

The plan, which helps fulfill ADOT’s initiatives in the Pathfinder Program with the Federal Highway Administration, will go into effect when a monsoon storm approaches the area just south of Payson. The National Weather Service will contact ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to advise them of the potential for rain in the area. The TOC will then dispatch maintenance crews to pre-stage equipment such as loaders, skid-steers and backhoes as well as other equipment like barriers and portable message boards.

This emergency plan was put into action in late July when a mudslide occurred on SR 188. Crews were able to respond quickly and close the road. The heavy equipment they rolled out was able to clear the road of mud. See the photos of our crews working to clear the highway.

The Pathfinder Program came about through FHWA’s Every Day Counts innovation recognition program. It’s designed to keep travelers informed and improve safety, mobility and the movement of goods during storms that impact highways, through enhanced collaboration between FHWA, the National Weather Service, state DOTs and other stakeholders.

You can find more information on the program by going to highways.dot.gov and searching Pathfinder.

Use caution on SR 88 between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat

Use caution on SR 88 between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Use caution on SR 88 between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat

Use caution on SR 88 between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat

October 4, 2019

SR 88 between Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat

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.

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
September 30, 2019

Flooding from the hurricane remnants that lashed Arizona last week, exacerbated by tens of thousands of acres of high desert burned in the Woodbury Fire, caused extensive damage along State Route 88 east of the Valley. As of today, an unpaved stretch of SR 88, also known as Apache Trail, remains closed indefinitely between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake while our engineers assess the roadway and what is required to reopen it. 

One way we're conducting this evaluation is through the use of drones, which provided the footage at right from the area around Fish Creek. 

Our crews have re-established access from Apache Junction to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat, along a paved section of the state highway.

At this time, there is no estimate on when Apache Trail will reopen between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake. Safety is our No. 1 priority. We'll reopen this remote, unpaved stretch when it is safe to do so.

This video provides a window into what we're facing between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake.

ADOT reopens US 89 north of Flagstaff through around-the-clock effort

ADOT reopens US 89 north of Flagstaff through around-the-clock effort

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT reopens US 89 north of Flagstaff through around-the-clock effort

ADOT reopens US 89 north of Flagstaff through around-the-clock effort

October 5, 2018

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.

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

September 25, 2018

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].

Flooding, repairs mean delays along Swift Trail on Mount Graham

Flooding, repairs mean delays along Swift Trail on Mount Graham

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Flooding, repairs mean delays along Swift Trail on Mount Graham

Flooding, repairs mean delays along Swift Trail on Mount Graham

July 24, 2018

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.

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

September 13, 2017

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].