Know Snow

Happy Holidays from the ADOT Blog!

Happy Holidays from the ADOT Blog!

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Happy Holidays from the ADOT Blog!

Happy Holidays from the ADOT Blog!

December 19, 2013

Motorists are urged to plan ahead for any holiday road trips. Allow extra travel time, avoid distractions, be patient and Know Snow.

It seems like 2013 has flown by – can you believe we’ve got less than two weeks until the New Year?

We’ve really enjoyed being able to share ADOT’s story with you throughout the year, and we look forward to bringing you more videos and blog posts in 2014!

However, starting Dec. 23, the ADOT Blog will be taking a weeklong hiatus. So, there are a few things we want to make sure to tell you about before the blog goes on vacation…

  • Drivers will be happy to know ADOT has announced that no full closures for construction will be scheduled along state highways during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holiday period (Dec. 23-Jan. 2). Motorists are still urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, avoid distractions and be patient if traveling during the holidays. Please obey speed limits, buckle up and never drive while impaired. Don’t forget to #KnowSnow.
  • Only the blog is taking an extended vacation. All ADOT and MVD offices will be open EXCEPT for Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, when they’ll close in recognition of the holidays.
  • We want to remind you that there are plenty of places to get your ADOT information every day of the year. You can check for ADOT news and info on Twitter and Facebook. If you’re looking for traffic conditions around the state, be sure to head over to az511.gov.

 

 

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

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Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

December 10, 2013

ADOT annually closes certain routes for the winter, including SR 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

If you’ve been following this blog over the past two winters, you know that ADOT annually shuts down a handful of state routes during the snowy winter months…

The closures are necessary because these roads are located in spots that get a significant amount of snowfall. ADOT closes the routes so it can best use its resources to keep more heavily traveled highways open all winter.

So, if your plans call for travel this winter, you’ll want to check out this year's closure list:

  • State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park closed earlier this month.
  • State Route 473 to Hawley Lake was the first of three highways in the White Mountains to shut down this winter. It was closed on Dec. 2.
  • State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 31. The four-mile-long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park Resort will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
  • A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Of course, these are just planned closures. Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state.

You should also know that these routes are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the scheduled closure date – another reason to check out az511.gov, before you head out.

Most of these routes will reopen in the early spring … we’ll be sure to keep you updated! Find additional information about winter driving on ADOT’s Know Snow Web page or by reading these previous posts.

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Some highways to close for winter season in high country

November 21, 2013

PHOENIX — Motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of some annual road closures as the winter season begins, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually due to the significant amount of snowfall and most are reopened by early spring.

  • State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is expected to close on Monday, Dec. 2.
  • State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Dec. 2.
  • State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
  • State Route 273 between Sunrise Park Resort and Big Lake will close Dec. 31. The four-mile-long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park Resort will remain open to provide access to the ski area.
  • A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford was closed for the winter on Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal.

Roads are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the scheduled closure date.

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” Web page at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Know Snow: Clearing the roads

Know Snow: Clearing the roads

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Know Snow: Clearing the roads

Know Snow: Clearing the roads

November 15, 2013

We’ve been blogging about #KnowSnow all week long, but we knew we couldn’t wrap things up without sharing this video…

If you’re a long-time reader, it might seem familiar. We originally posted it on the blog two years ago (time flies!). It does such a good job of showcasing ADOT’s winter storm management efforts that we thought it’d be worth a replay.

You can see that a portion of the video focuses on deicers and since we didn’t really call attention to them in this original 2011 blog post, we wanted to take time today to explain how ADOT uses these materials.

Deicing Agents

ADOT is fully stocked with deicing agents and ready for the winter season that’s upon us. These materials include a liquid magnesium chloride and a granular product called Ice Slicer.

Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring salt mineral – this liquid is commonly used ahead of a storm.

Ice Slicer is a naturally occurring complex chloride which consists of sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium chlorides. Ice Slicer does melt the snow and ice, but it is mainly used to prevent the bond between ice and the road. This is important, because if the snow and ice don’t freeze to the road, they can be more easily plowed off the highway.

ADOT Flagstaff District Maintenance Engineer Chuck Gillick does a better job of explaining it in the video above.

“We load it into our plow trucks and spread it on the highway. What salt really does is change the freezing point of the snow,” says Gillick. “We try to use it so (the snow and ice) doesn’t bond with the roadway surface. It tends to lower that freezing point and makes (the snow) liquid for a longer period of time and that helps us get it off the road quicker.”

For more on ADOT’s winter storm management efforts, visit our “Know Snow” Web page.

ADOT snowplow drivers are prepared for the season

ADOT snowplow drivers are prepared for the season

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ADOT snowplow drivers are prepared for the season

ADOT snowplow drivers are prepared for the season

November 14, 2013

“The safest location for drivers would be to try to stay behind a plow at a safe distance. ... If you’re behind a plow, you’re going to get from point A to point B.”

That's the message ADOT snowplow drivers want you to remember when driving in the snow this season.

Snowplow operators have a serious job to do and it’s important that everyone else on the road gives them the room they need to do it safely. That means staying at least four car lengths behind a plow (if you think you’re too close to a snowplow, you probably are). You also shouldn't try to pass these vehicles … just stay back and let them clear the road. Snowplows are large, heavy vehicles that need room to operate.

Ready for the winter

Winter safety is a year-round focus for ADOT. In preparation for this year’s winter storm season, more than 450 ADOT employees and snowplow operators attended a Winter Readiness Academy in Flagstaff this summer. The training workshop included instruction from industry experts and some of own ADOT’s in-house experts.

Several hours in the classroom, snowplow simulators and on-the-job training are also required of any ADOT employee before becoming a certified snowplow operator.

“The work that they do is difficult and dangerous. They work long shifts and so it’s important that they be well trained and prepared to do that task,” says Assistant State Engineer Lonnie Hendrix of ADOT’s 450 plow operators.

Learn more about winter driving and snowplows, by visiting our “Know Snow” Web page.

ADOT ready for winter season

ADOT ready for winter season

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ADOT ready for winter season

ADOT ready for winter season

November 13, 2013

Know Snow

Did you happen to tune in to any of the local television news stations this morning?

If you did, you may have caught a glimpse of the snowplows that were on display for ADOT’s annual winter readiness event in Phoenix.

Yes, that’s right. We had snowplows in Phoenix … but it was for a good reason.

Every year, ADOT invites members of the media (and their audiences) to take an up-close look at all the equipment that’s involved in keeping the roads clear once the winter weather hits.

This includes the snowplows and snowplow simulators (more on those in a minute). The media also had the chance to visit the Traffic Operations Center control room to see where and how ADOT operators monitor the freeways during a storm.

ADOT hosts these winter readiness events each year so drivers can see that ADOT is prepped and ready for the season ahead. We also use the event as an opportunity to share some important winter-driving tips.

Know Snow

If you read yesterday’s blog post, you know that we’re focused this week on getting drivers the information they’ll need to be safe on the road this winter.

The best place to find all those details is over on our “Know Snow” Web page. There, you’ll find information on how to prepare your vehicle, tips for driving on wet or icy roadways and a list of “must haves” for every vehicle.

We also want to make sure drivers know how to share the road with a snowplow...

Of course, your best bet is to stay indoors until the weather and roads are clear. But if you happen to be driving during a snowstorm you’ll want to remember this advice:

  • Never pass a snowplow! Slow down and be patient.
  • Stay at least four car lengths behind snowplows and equipment. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw salt and sand that can damage your vehicle.
  • Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.
  • If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

About those snowplow simulators

The snowplow simulators (see photos above) are valuable training tools for ADOT snowplow operators. They may look big video games, but they’re definitely not. The simulators can help someone learn to operate a snowplow by presenting the operator with some of the real-world hazards they may face out on the road. They can output everything from different weather conditions to locked brakes and failed headlights.

Three of our snowplow simulators have received upgrades since last year, including new software, 50-inch monitors, better graphics and new computers. These upgrades will enhance the training experience for our snowplow operators and better equip them for the job ahead.

You can read more about the simulators, along with snowplows and other equipment, by checking out some of our blog posts from previous winters. And, be sure to stay tuned to the blog this week … we’ve got a new video coming your way tomorrow!

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal remains priority

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal remains priority

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal remains priority

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal remains priority

November 13, 2013

PHOENIX — The first snowflakes fell from the skies in northern Arizona last month — an unusually early start to the snow season. The Arizona Department of Transportation readily responded to that event and is ready for more, as preparations for its winter operations take place all year long.

Because of Arizona’s diverse climate, travelers can find themselves driving from the sunny, moderate climate of the low desert to ice and snow in the state’s mountain regions in just a couple of hours. Winter weather conditions can quickly cause havoc with travel plans and businesses. As a result, ADOT — and drivers — need to be prepared.

Public safety is ADOT’s top priority when winter storms move in and snow and ice develop on the roads. ADOT resources are quickly deployed before, during and after storms to keep state highways safe for travelers. The department’s goal is to limit highway closures and to clear snow and ice as soon as possible. To date, ADOT’s 192 snowplows are serviced and ready, 450 snowplow operators are trained and on alert, and maintenance yards are stocked with deicer materials and equipment.

ADOT’s yearly budget for snowplowing and winter storm maintenance is between $4 million and $8 million, depending on the severity of the winter season. Last season was particularly heavy, as ADOT spent approximately $8.7 million on snow removal efforts. This figure includes labor costs, equipment expenses, fuel and deicing agents.

While ADOT is prepared to keep the roads clear and open, the agency is encouraging motorists to be prepared as well when driving in snowy and icy conditions and near snowplows on the road. Winter can be a dangerous time with wind, ice, snow and freezing temperatures causing unsafe conditions. With that in mind, ADOT recommends the following winter driving tips:

  • Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution around snowplows.
  • Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
  • When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths until it’s safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back!
  • Never pass a snowplow that’s in the process of clearing snow and ice off the road.
  • Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas.
  • Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
  • Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
  • Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
  • Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
  • Carry plenty of food and water, and all necessary medications.
  • Carry tire chains, snow cables or snow tires.
  • Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features real-time images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Drivers need to watch for rain and snow on the road

Drivers need to watch for rain and snow on the road

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Drivers need to watch for rain and snow on the road

Drivers need to watch for rain and snow on the road

December 13, 2012

Rain, snow and cooler temperatures are all in the state’s forecast this weekend.

Rain, snow and cooler temperatures are all in the state’s forecast this weekend, which means motorists could face some driving conditions they don’t deal with too often.

But, even if all of us desert-dwellers don’t experience rainy, winter weather on a frequent basis, drivers still can (and should) learn about what to expect out on the roads…

Driving in the rain 
Many motorists realize that driving in heavy rain can be hazardous, especially when you throw in other conditions like wind.

However, another factor that drivers might not be aware of is the effect of the grime and oil on the road’s surface – that residue can mix with the rain to make the road slippery. The Arizona Driver License Manual recommends watching out for this effect during the first 30 minutes after rain begins.

Hydroplaning is another hazard that may occur during rainstorms…

In a heavy rain, your tires can ride on a film of water, and at 50 mph your tires can lose all contact with the road. Under-inflated, worn, or bald tires lose contact with the road at much lower speeds. A slight change of direction or gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid.

The best way to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down. If your car does hydroplane:

  • Take your foot off the accelerator.
  • Do not brake.
  • Avoid steering changes (if possible).
  • Hold the wheel firmly until your tires grip the road again.

One more important tip: Do not cross flooded washes!

Watching out for snow and ice

Snow limits visibility, so turning on your headlights is necessary to see and to be seen.

Often, snow will completely cover lane markings. Drivers may tend to move away from the edge of the road, thus passing closer to each other. Snow or ice between your tires and the road greatly reduces your traction and increases the distance you need to stop by at least six seconds. On slippery surfaces, you have the most traction and control when the front tires are rolling; therefore, your vehicle will respond better to steering than to braking.

If you decide to brake on ice or other slippery surfaces, apply the brakes gently, increasing the pressure as you feel the tires grip the road. Do not brake to the point that the wheels lock. If the wheels should lock, ease slightly off the brakes, but do not release them completely. This action may unlock them without losing brake power entirely. Then apply the brakes and ease off again, repeating the process.

Here are some other suggestions for safe winter driving:

  • Before you start driving, clear snow or ice from all windows and lights so you can see and be seen.
  • Equip your car with snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distances.
  • Drive gently; do not change speed or direction suddenly.
  • Slow down before stopping or turning (driving on packed snow is much like driving on ice).
  • Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas (bridge surfaces freeze before other road surfaces).

More information …

What’s above is just the start – more information and safe-driving tips can be found in the Arizona Driver License Manual and on the ADOT website.

You can also check out our “Know Snow” Web page for preparation ideas and snowplowing schedules and routes. And, as always, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or log on to the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov before they head out on the road for the latest highway conditions around the state. The site features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

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Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

November 28, 2012

A snowy Arizona scene from last year.

Winter weather in Arizona can get pretty severe and in some spots the conditions are enough to bring ADOT construction to a halt…

Projects are put on pause in the state’s high country when it becomes too cold to pour concrete or place asphalt pavement (rubberized asphalt is very sensitive to temperature variations)

And, like we said in this post from last year, just because a project goes on hiatus our crews don’t just drop what they’re doing…

Work stops at a logical point and the work zone is generally left in a condition that doesn’t impede traffic – drivers may notice some barricades and should be aware as they’re driving through project sites.

ADOT workers who manage or inspect the projects either switch gears to next-year’s planning, or are reassigned to maintenance for the season.

Here’s a list of projects that have either already been suspended for the winter, or will be stopped soon:

  • I-15 paving project in northwestern Arizona (ADOT will return in the spring to apply the top layer of asphalt when weather is optimal. The final phase of the project will take about one month to complete and is expected to begin in late March 2013.)
  • Reconstruction of the I-17 traffic interchange at Munds Park (the project is nearly finished, but crews will return in 2013 to apply the top layer of asphalt pavement).
  • SR 77 paving project from Shumway through Snowflake.
  • A westbound I-10 pavement project that encompasses 14 miles from the east end of Texas Canyon to the east side of Benson (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
  • I-10/SR 90 traffic interchange project (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
  • SR 260 Doubtful Canyon project – the project team is preparing for winter shutdown due to inclement weather, but not necessarily completely shutting down the project.

Besides what is listed above, there are several projects that could be shut down if an area receives too much snow, or if temperatures drop low enough to make it too cold for crews to work.

For more on how ADOT operates during the cold season, check out our previous blog posts. And, for tools, maps and other information designed to assist you this winter, visit ADOT’s Know Snow Web page.

Don’t forget … you can always learn about the latest highway conditions by visiting the ADOT Travel Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511.

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal a priority

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal a priority

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ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal a priority

ADOT ready for winter season; snow removal a priority

November 16, 2012

Winter isn’t officially here yet, but Arizona has already received some snowy weather this month.

Don’t worry … the season’s early start hasn’t caught ADOT off guard. Our crews are ready and have been preparing for winter operations all year long.

Winter in Arizona
Weather conditions in Arizona can find you driving from the sunny, moderate climate of the low desert into ice and snow in the state’s mountain regions in just a couple of hours. These types of winter storms can really cause havoc with travel plans and businesses. And it means that ADOT—and drivers—need to be prepared.

Public safety is ADOT’s top priority when winter storms hit the state and roads become snowy and icy. ADOT resources are quickly deployed before, during and after storms to keep state highways safe. ADOT’s goal is to limit highway closures and to clear snow and ice as soon as possible.

ADOT has added 16 new snowplows to its fleet this winter season to replace 16 older plows. These new plows, which cost approximately $250,000 per vehicle, are being deployed to different regions around the state.

To date, all of ADOT’s 202 snowplows are serviced and ready, 420 snowplow operators are trained and on alert, and maintenance yards are stocked with deicer materials and equipment.

The cost of winter weather
ADOT’s yearly budget for snowplowing and winter storm maintenance is between $4 million and $8 million, depending on the severity of the winter season. Last season was particularly heavy as ADOT spent approximately $7.6 million on snow removal efforts. This figure includes labor costs, equipment expenses, fuel and deicer chemicals.

Staying safe
While ADOT is prepared to keep the roads clear and open, the agency is encouraging motorists to be prepared as well when driving in snowy and icy conditions. Winter can be a dangerous time with wind, ice, snow and freezing temperatures causing unsafe conditions. With that in mind, ADOT recommends the following winter driving tips:

  • Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time.
  • Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
  • When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least a few car lengths until it’s safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back!
  • Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas.
  • Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
  • Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
  • Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
  • Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
  • Carry plenty of food and water and all necessary medications.
  • Carry tire chains, snow cables or snow tires.
  • Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional information on how ADOT prepares for winter weather can be found in our blog archives and at ADOT’s “Know Snow” website. The site also contains downloadable snow maps of snowplowing schedules and routes.Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.