Key Commerce Corridors

Quick turnaround for commercial vehicle parking at rest areas

Quick turnaround for commercial vehicle parking at rest areas

Quick turnaround for commercial vehicle parking at rest areas

Quick turnaround for commercial vehicle parking at rest areas

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
June 12, 2020

Two fast-moving projects are promoting safety along the I-40 corridor. One of these projects entered the planning stages a few months ago and just finished construction last week: commercial truck parking expansion at the Haviland Rest Area west of Kingman.

Because the Haviland Rest Area project was deemed an emergency due to the current public health situation, it moved from approval to finish in under three months to help long-haul truckers who have been crucial in COVID-19 relief efforts.

The rest area, which has an eastbound and westbound facility, had 14 total parking spaces (seven in each direction) for commercial vehicles to use. Now, that number has been expanded by 38 spaces – 22 for the eastbound facility and 16 for the westbound facility.

Truckers are already using the new parking spaces, as you can see from the photo. 

A similar project is at Meteor Crater Rest Area, located on I-40 between Flagstaff and Winslow. The rest area currently has 65 spaces for commercial trucks to use. That number is going to nearly double as crews add 56 spaces – 32 for westbound and 24 for eastbound.

Combined, these two projects are adding nearly 100 parking spaces for commercial vehicles along the busy I-40 corridor. More parking spaces means more opportunities for truckers to rest, which in turn means safer roads for everyone.

The project at Meteor Crater is scheduled to wrap up in the next several weeks.

Flagstaff hosts public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program on April 20

Flagstaff hosts public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program on April 20

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Flagstaff hosts public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program on April 20

Flagstaff hosts public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program on April 20

April 16, 2018

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments for its proposed Five-Year Construction Program by reaching out to all members of the public and communities statewide for their input on which projects should move forward over the next few years.

The second public hearing for the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 20, at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow.

In its Tentative Program, ADOT proposes several major expansion projects along Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, the state’s busiest highways. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel, along with enhanced freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development. Projects include:

  • The first phase of a project beginning in fiscal year 2019 to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19
  • Two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2020 and 2023 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11
  • Widening Interstate 17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, with specific areas and projects still under study
  • Widening the last section of State Route 260 near Star Valley beginning in fiscal year 2023 (the Lion Springs section), reaching ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire length of the corridor

These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Program. The complete report is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until June 5.

The Tentative Program also reaches the department's goal of allocating at least $260 million per year for the preservation of the state highway system. Preservation projects include repaving highways, filling potholes, extending the life cycle of existing pavement, and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

In addition, ADOT has proposed increasing the amount of preservation funding to $320 million per year during the next six to 10 years as part of the recently adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan, a blueprint for investment priorities over the next 25 years.

The complete report, posted with a “how to read it” guide, is available at azdot.gov for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form, by email at [email protected] and by phone at 855.712.8530.

Here are the details for the remaining public hearings (the first was on March 16 in Sahuarita), a follow-up study session and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting, where the final Five-Year Program is expected to be approved. All hearings begin at 9 a.m.:

April 20: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

May 18: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 5: State Transportation Board study session at ADOT’s Human Resources Development Center, 1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix.

June 15: State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Globe Council Chambers, 150 N. Pine St., Globe.

Public comment to begin for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program

Public comment to begin for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Public comment to begin for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program

Public comment to begin for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program

March 12, 2018

PHOENIX – Major corridors for passenger and freight traffic would be expanded and improved during the next five years as part of a proposed annual update to the Arizona Department of Transportation's lineup of projects that will be available for public comment beginning Friday, March 16. 

The 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program also reaches the department's goal of allocating at least $260 million per year for preservation of bridges and highways throughout the state highway system. 

In addition, ADOT has proposed increasing the amount of preservation funding to $320 million per year during the next six to 10 years as part of the recently adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan, a blueprint for investment priorities over the next 25 years.

“ADOT is committed to moving people and freight safely and efficiently every day on the Key Commerce Corridors that connect Arizona to major markets and help us better compete for quality jobs, economic growth and prosperity,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “But just as important is the need to preserve and maintain our $21.5 billion system to keep our highways and bridges in good repair and functioning as they should.”

Preservation projects include repaving highways, filling potholes, extending the life cycle of existing pavement, and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

Key expansion projects round out the system by increasing mobility and connectivity while reducing traffic congestion. Major projects ADOT is proposing along highly traveled corridors over the next five years include: 

  • Two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2020 and 2023 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11
  • Widening Interstate 17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, with specific areas and projects still under study
  • Widening the last section of State Route 260 near Star Valley beginning in fiscal year 2023 (the Lion Springs section), reaching ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire length of that corridor

The public comment period for the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program begins Friday, March 16, and ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5. It includes public hearings in Sahuarita (Friday, March 16), Flagstaff (Friday, April 20) and Phoenix (Friday, May 18). The State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

The complete report, posted with a “how to read it” guide, will be available on Friday, March 16, at azdot.gov for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form, by email at [email protected] and by phone at 855.712.8530.

Here are the details for the three public hearings, a follow-up study session and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting, where the final Five-Year Program will be approved. All hearings begin at 9 a.m.:

March 16: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the Town of Sahuarita Council Chambers, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way, Sahuarita.

April 20: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

May 18: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 5: State Transportation Board study session at ADOT’s Human Resources Development Center, 1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix.

June 15: State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Globe Council Chambers, 150 N. Pine St., Globe.

ADOT’s commercial truck safety course a hit in Mexico

ADOT’s commercial truck safety course a hit in Mexico

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s commercial truck safety course a hit in Mexico

ADOT’s commercial truck safety course a hit in Mexico

September 12, 2017

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation safety training program for commercial vehicle drivers using international ports of entry is proving so popular with trucking companies and government officials in Mexico that ADOT has doubled the number of training sessions planned for this fall.

“Trade with Mexico is one way our highways are Key Commerce Corridors that drive Arizona’s economy,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “With the support of officials in Sonora, Mexico, we are expanding a program that’s boosting international commerce while ensuring that commercial vehicles are safe.

Tim Lane, director of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, which conducts truck safety inspections at commercial ports of entry, said 46 commercial vehicle drivers attended the International Border Inspection Qualification program in the Sonoran capital of Hermosillo on Aug. 22 and 23.

Representatives from the Sonora governor’s office attended the event in Hermosillo, including Natalia Rivera Grijalva, chief of staff for Governor Claudia Artemiza Pavlovich Arellano, and Secretary Ricardo Martínez Terrazas for the Department of Infrastructure and Urban Development of Sonora. The event was covered by local newspapers, television and radio.

The program teaches commercial vehicle drivers what to expect during safety inspections when they enter Arizona through ports at San Luis, Nogales and Douglas. Including sessions in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, and Douglas, 89 drivers have completed training and testing in the program’s first six weeks.

Commercial vehicle drivers who pass examinations at the end of the program are able to communicate with ADOT safety inspectors using WhatsApp, a popular smartphone messaging app. Qualified drivers can send photos of potential safety issues to inspectors, who tell them whether the photos show violations and, if so, how to correct them. Commercial vehicle drivers who have participated in IBIQ training can use WhatsApp at the border ports of entry in Nogales, San Luis and Douglas.

The International Border Inspection Qualification program is part of ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit launched last fall to train commercial vehicle drivers and mechanics on safety inspections at the border. The goal is for trucking companies to make any needed repairs before they approach the border, saving the companies time and money and allowing ADOT inspectors to focus on trucks that are more likely to have safety concerns.

The program is working: ADOT inspectors have conducted fewer border inspections over the past year but have found more violations, increasing safety on Arizona roads. Those improvements have led to more trucks crossing in Arizona instead of elsewhere, boosting the state’s economy.

The International Border Inspection Qualification program stems from ADOT’s use of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Doug Ducey. This approach to continuous improvement empowers employees at state agencies to come up with innovative ways to better serve customers.

The program initially scheduled four training sessions this fall but has added four more at the request of Mexican trucking officials, including one held last week in Douglas, Arizona. The remaining schedule:

  • Sept. 19-20 in Nogales, Sonora
  • Oct. 3-4 in Douglas, Arizona (to be conducted in English)
  • Oct. 11-12 in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora
  • Oct. 24-25 in Culiacán, Sinaloa
  • A yet-to-be-determined November date in Hermosillo, Sonora  

From the Director: Improvements at our ports of entry mean business for Arizona

From the Director: Improvements at our ports of entry mean business for Arizona

From the Director: Improvements at our ports of entry mean business for Arizona

From the Director: Improvements at our ports of entry mean business for Arizona

August 21, 2017

Port of Entry

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Transportation is a key component of commerce, especially at our international ports of entry. If there are delays at the ports, it can cost businesses time and money to move products to their final destinations. At the Arizona Department of Transportation, we are making great strides in improving efficiency at our international ports of entry, making our state an attractive route for commercial carriers.

While safety remains our top goal, we want to be as efficient as possible at helping commerce move across our border and into Arizona’s economy. By working closely with international trucking interests, we are supporting commercial traffic and boosting the economy not just in Arizona but along the Interstate 10 corridor and across the nation.

ADOT enforcement officers have identified system changes that are improving operations at our international ports in San Luis, Douglas and Nogales. By being consistent with our inspections, educating Mexican trucking companies and drivers on what to expect during these inspections, coordinating inspections with our federal partners, and employing the latest technology during the inspection process -- all of these efforts are bringing commerce back to AZ. Commercial truck traffic is up 7 percent at the San Luis port in just two months.

I am proud of our agency’s efforts to streamline processes and identify innovative ways to better serve our customers, all part of the Arizona Management System. The system improvements we are making at our international ports of entry mean business for our state. While still maintaining safety, reducing inspection times and lowering company costs, we are encouraging trucking companies to use Arizona as a key commerce state. Transportation is indeed a key component of commerce.


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

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

 

Report: Arizonans drove almost 67 billion miles in 2016, up 2.8 percent

Report: Arizonans drove almost 67 billion miles in 2016, up 2.8 percent

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Report: Arizonans drove almost 67 billion miles in 2016, up 2.8 percent

Report: Arizonans drove almost 67 billion miles in 2016, up 2.8 percent

March 16, 2017

PHOENIX – Drivers covered nearly 67 billion miles on Arizona roads in 2016, the state’s fifth consecutive annual increase, according to a Federal Highway Administration estimate.

Part of a Traffic Volume Trends report estimating a record 3.2 trillion miles driven on U.S. public roads last year, the Arizona figure demonstrates the importance of maintaining and improving the state’s transportation system, said John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation.

“Highways are Key Commerce Corridors that drive economic growth and jobs,” Halikowski said. “A well-built and well-maintained transportation system positions this growing state to capitalize on its proximity to major markets in California and Texas as well as south of the border.”

ADOT maintains all state and federal routes in Arizona, including six interstate highways.

The estimated number of vehicle miles traveled in Arizona in 2016 – 66.86 billion – represented an increase of more than 1.8 billion miles from 2015, or 2.8 percent. Since 2011, the number of miles navigated by Arizona drivers has increased by 7.28 billion, or 12 percent.

The 13-state West, including Arizona, had the greatest increase in travel compared with 2015, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s report.

ADOT reports vehicle miles traveled for the previous year each June. The agency’s figures also show a steady increase in recent years.

From the Director: ADOT keeps economy moving in 2017

From the Director: ADOT keeps economy moving in 2017

From the Director: ADOT keeps economy moving in 2017

From the Director: ADOT keeps economy moving in 2017

February 16, 2017

Pouring Concrete

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that transportation plays a key role in a state’s economy. A good transportation system ensures that goods and services get to their proper destination. A good transportation system ensures people get to where they want to go either for business or pleasure. At the Arizona Department of Transportation, we continue to make improvements in our state transportation system that ensure trade flows between our borders and people can travel to their favorite destinations. Here’s what we have planned this year that keeps Arizona’s economy moving:

The biggest single transportation project in the state’s history is the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. The $1.9 billion project begins in earnest in the first half of 2017 with the building of the foundations for 40 bridges planned, widening eastbound lanes on Pecos Road, and access roads near Interstate 10 in west Phoenix. The 22-mile project is a direct link between the East Valley and the West Valley, and it brings great economic development opportunities.

Pavement preservation is a cornerstone in keeping our transportation system functioning at its best. We have an 11-mile stretch of I-17 scheduled for resurfacing in the spring of 2017. Between 19th and Peoria avenues, our crews will add a new layer of smooth, durable rubberized asphalt along the Black Canyon Freeway.

A widening project in the Marana/Tucson area will improve travel along Ina Road and Interstate 10. The $120 million project features a wider bridge with two lanes in each direction over I-10 and the railroad tracks, making the area more efficient and safer to travel.

Dust storms are very prevalent in Arizona especially during our summer monsoon season. ADOT was awarded a $54 million federal grant in 2016. A portion of the grant funds are being used to install a dust detection and warning system along I-10 between Eloy and Picacho Peak later this year. When fully implemented, the system will trigger safety measures including reduced speed limits and electronic message boards to warn drivers of visibility concerns. We will continue our efforts to warn drivers not to drive through a dust storm.

Our interstates serve as key commerce corridors in Arizona. Roadway improvements, whether they are additional lanes, paving or a dust detection system, ensure our transportation system is working efficiently and effectively. At ADOT, we are committed to making sure our state’s economy continues to move at the speed of business.


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

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

 

From the Director: Investments in trade corridors continue

From the Director: Investments in trade corridors continue

From the Director: Investments in trade corridors continue

From the Director: Investments in trade corridors continue

July 5, 2016

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Traffic

Continued investment in our state’s busiest corridors and those beyond our state borders will provide better mobility and help enhance trade, commerce and economic development. With the U.S. marking the 60th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System, it seems the perfect opportunity to remind everyone of the efforts the Arizona Department of Transportation is doing with the state's Key Commerce Corridors.

I-11

I-11 is a proposed interstate corridor connecting Arizona with regional and international markets. The progress on the Interstate 11 study shows ADOT’s commitment to establish a key border-to-border corridor and trade route to Mexico that will continue our state’s efforts to boost commerce, job growth, and economic development. We are in the midst of our initial environmental study as part of the planning process in studying the corridor from Nogales to Wickenburg. We have the support of partner agencies; they realize the benefits that I-11 can bring in terms of competitiveness, regional and global connections, and business opportunities for this new freight and travel route.

I-10 Corridor Coalition

I recently had the opportunity to sign an agreement with three other state departments of transportation – California, New Mexico and Texas – to make travel on Interstate 10 safer and more efficient. This agreement builds upon our commitment to build a reliable, friction-free I-10 corridor to support Arizona’s businesses and export industries. When you combine Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas into one region, it would have the 10th largest economy in the world. We intend to share resources, best practices on safety, improve freight movement, coordinate use of technology, and promote cooperative planning. This coalition illustrates ADOT’s efforts to reach beyond our state borders for collaboration and opportunities to build a more efficient transportation system.

State Route 189

Although State Route 189 is only 3.75 miles in length in Nogales, Arizona, this particular route connects one of the busiest land ports in the U.S., the Mariposa Port of Entry, to Interstate 19. A majority of the winter produce that is consumed each year in the U.S. crosses through the Mariposa Port of Entry from Mexico. For ADOT, SR 189 is an important trade route, not just for Nogales but for Arizona’s economy as a whole. That is why ADOT is investing in improvements. I believe that investment speaks volumes to the importance of SR 189 in our system and our commitment to see the route improved to accommodate future trade opportunities with Mexico, our state’s largest foreign trading partner.

AZ-Mexico Corridor Study

Earlier this year, I had the distinct honor of signing a memorandum of understanding with my counterpart, the undersecretary of infrastructure for Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transport. This memorandum establishes a joint planning committee to study ways to improve the corridor along Interstate 19 in Arizona and Highway 15 in Mexico. This multi-year AZ-Mexico Corridor Study is a one-of-a-kind effort that will help us market our region throughout the world. This effort is just another opportunity where we can invest resources to enhance connectivity, economic development and job growth from transportation infrastructure improvements.

Transportation does indeed bring value to our state. At ADOT, we relish the challenges to study a future trade corridor, improve a vital interstate highway across multiple states, enhance a major trade route in Southern Arizona, and collaborate across the border. It’s an exciting time at ADOT and for Arizona!


0515_JHalikowski

 

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

 

Interstates are key commerce corridors fueling economic growth

Interstates are key commerce corridors fueling economic growth

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Interstates are key commerce corridors fueling economic growth

Interstates are key commerce corridors fueling economic growth

June 29, 2016

PHOENIX – Arizona’s interstate highways are key commerce corridors serving not only as the backbone of our transportation system but providing businesses and their customers with food, fuel and other essentials.

With the U.S. marking the 60th anniversary of the national interstate highway system that President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched in 1956, John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, said this essential infrastructure requires adequate and sustained investment.

“By carrying many thousands of trucks each and every week, our interstates in Arizona are a critical lifeline for the health of our state’s businesses and our economic well-being,” Halikowski said. “If our interstate freeways are not reliable, high-quality corridors, Arizona will not be able to maintain our existing businesses and attract new business to the state.”

With ADOT facing limited transportation funding as it safeguards Arizona’s $20 billion investment in highways and looks toward future improvements, the state’s 1,169 miles of interstate highways anchor a reliable travel network vital to economic growth.

“Arizona is at the heart of the 10th-largest regional economy in the world stretching from Southern California to Texas,” Halikowski said. “We’re reminding Arizonans, from business owners to policymakers to the traveling public, that interstates provide the links to this trillion-dollar market. The importance of these links cannot be overstated.”

That applies to Interstate 10, the state’s longest at 392 miles, and the 30 miles of I-15, Arizona’s shortest stretch of interstate.

It’s one of the reasons Halikowski earlier this month led efforts to establish an Interstate 10 Corridor Coalition with transportation leaders from California, New Mexico and Texas. An agreement, signed June 2, supports innovations that make travel on I-10 safer and more efficient.

ADOT also is looking to the future by laying the groundwork for another interstate. Although it’s likely many years from existence, Interstate 11 is on the drawing board as a multimodal corridor improving travel not only between Phoenix and Las Vegas but also as part of a bigger vision for connecting southern Arizona, at Nogales, with the Intermountain West region, including Nevada.

Last December, Congress formally designated I-11 through Arizona as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. While that designation didn’t come with funding, it does make the corridor eligible for future federal funding.

“When it comes to what I’ll call the ‘state of our interstates,’ we need to change our driving culture to avoid distractions, be patient and drive sober. ADOT will maximize and use available funding wisely to ensure that we get everyone home safely through road improvements, technology and driver awareness,” Halikowski said. “Focusing on safety and the economy in our transportation infrastructure system will foster a better quality of life for all Arizonans.”

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

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ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

June 23, 2014

PHOENIX – At the recent Arizona-Mexico Commission plenary session, the organization recognized Arizona Department of Transportation Director John S. Halikowski for his work co-chairing the commission’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Ports Committee, spearheading the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, and for his keen understanding of infrastructure issues facing border communities.

This year, the Arizona-Mexico Commission awarded the Tony Certósimo Award to Halikowski, who, according to the group, “has committed to fostering improved relations with Mexico for numerous years. His leadership has advanced Arizona’s important cross-border agenda with Mexico and has embraced the mission of the Arizona-Mexico Commission in support of a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.”

During the award’s presentation, Arizona-Mexico Commission Executive Director Margie Emmermann applauded Halikowski for “understanding the marriage of infrastructure and economic development” and for championing this new vision throughout Arizona and beyond through his various Key Commerce Corridor efforts.

The award is given to an individual who embodies all that the Arizona-Mexico Commission strives to accomplish, according to the organization. The honor is named after the first executive director, who was influential in formalizing the Arizona-Mexico Commission by establishing its bylaws and developing the group as a nonprofit membership organization.

“John Halikowski deserves the Certósimo Award as he has embraced the mission of the Arizona-Mexico Commission to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life for all Arizonans though strong collaborations,” according to the nomination. “He has demonstrated this in his work and actions with all levels of the public and private sector on both sides of the border, and truly understands the importance of the relationship with Mexico for Arizona and sets the example for the agency he leads.”

The award was presented June 20 as part of the closing ceremonies for the semiannual meeting between Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Sonora Governor Guillermo Padrés Elías.

“As the Arizona Department of Transportation turns its focus to the Key Commerce Corridors for the state, the critical linkages between Arizona and Mexico require attention and investment, not only for Arizona but for the entire U.S.,” Halikowski said. “I’m honored to receive this award, which reflects the good work being done every day at ADOT to improve all of our critical connections that support economic development and prosperity.”