Outreach

ADOT, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, other agencies launch wildfire awareness campaign

ADOT, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, other agencies launch wildfire awareness campaign

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, other agencies launch wildfire awareness campaign

ADOT, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, other agencies launch wildfire awareness campaign

May 20, 2014

PHOENIX – One Less Spark One Less Wildfire. That’s the name of an interagency campaign that the Arizona Department of Transportation will participate in to raise driver awareness of their role in preventing wildfires.

The “One Less Spark One Less Wildfire” awareness campaign was started by the U.S. Forest Service and other land management agencies in California in 2012. The campaign focuses on the role drivers and home owners play in helping to prevent wildfires.

The campaign offers tips for drivers when traveling this summer to prevent starting fires:

  • Do not park in tall grass as the heat from parts under your vehicle can start a fire
  • Make sure nothing is hanging from underneath your vehicle and dragging on the asphalt
  • Dragging chains from towing can cause sparks. Never substitute parts when towing.
  • Check tire pressure before you travel. Exposed wheel rims can cause sparks on the asphalt.

“The One Less Spark One Less Wildfire campaign is targeted for areas of high-frequency fires or areas that have the potential for catastrophic wildfire damage. It was successfully implemented in California in 2012 and is now expanding to the southwest region,” said Justin Haynes with the U.S. Forest Service. “The program emphasis targets human-caused wildfires, with not only the continued education in campfire vigilance when recreating, but also focuses on wildfires caused by vehicles and home owners.”

The campaign features posters, bumper stickers, informational cards and public service announcements which give safety messages about equipment, including vehicles, sparking wildfires along roadways.

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There will be an upcoming media event about the “One Less Spark One Less Wildfire” campaign. The public is welcome to attend. Details are as follows:

WHO: ADOT, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Black Canyon City Fire Department, American Red Cross, Arizona Department of Public Safety and other agencies

WHERE: Sunset Point Rest Area located along I-17 at milepost 252 north of the Phoenix area.

WHEN: Friday, May 23 from 1 – 4 p.m.

WHAT: The purpose of the media day is to educate the traveling public that vehicles can cause fires and provide ways to prevent it. ADOT and other agencies will have representatives available to talk about the danger of wildfires, things that cause wildfires and the role the public plays in preventing them.

Public hearing set for May 15 on study of proposed Grand Avenue improvements at Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch intersections

Public hearing set for May 15 on study of proposed Grand Avenue improvements at Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch intersections

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Public hearing set for May 15 on study of proposed Grand Avenue improvements at Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch intersections

Public hearing set for May 15 on study of proposed Grand Avenue improvements at Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch intersections

May 9, 2014

PHOENIX — A public hearing on a study of proposed improvements to the intersection of Grand Avenue (US 60) and Thunderbird Road, and nearby Thompson Ranch Road, will be held in El Mirage on Thursday evening, May 15, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

ADOT is conducting an environmental assessment for the Grand Avenue and Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch Roads Study. Proposed improvements include plans to move the Thunderbird Road connection to Grand Avenue in El Mirage so that it directly aligns with Thompson Ranch Road, providing improved traffic flow in the area.

If given final approval, a construction project to improve the intersections would begin by summer 2015.

The public hearing will include a presentation about the proposed improvements as well as a “no-build” option and allow community members to provide comments for the study team to consider.

The hearing for the Grand Avenue and Thunderbird/Thompson Ranch Roads Study will be held as follows:

When: Thursday, May 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: El Mirage Senior Center
           14010 N. El Mirage Road
            El Mirage, AZ 85335

What: A study presentation will be given at 5:30 p.m. Community members also can view diagrams and provide comments about the proposed roadway improvements.

The public comment period for the study will continue through May 30, 2014. 

Comments can be provided via email at [email protected] or by phone at 855.712.8530.

Flagstaff to host third public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

Flagstaff to host third public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Flagstaff to host third public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

Flagstaff to host third public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

May 1, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation will hold its third and final public hearing for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program next week in Flagstaff in order to gather comments from the public and communities on the direction of the program over the next five years.

The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 9 in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave. in Flagstaff. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program is available for public review at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. Comments can be submitted until May 20 online or by email at [email protected].

The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system to keep it in good repair, while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program; however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion, the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:

  • Greater Arizona: $1.8 billion over five years (60 percent for preservation, 11 percent for expansion and 29 percent for modernization)
  • Maricopa County region: $1.7 billion over five years
  • Pima County region: $349 million over five years
  • Aviation: $1.1 billion over five years

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive in Willcox.

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

State Route 24 'Open House' event April 15 provides chance to check out new freeway connection in Mesa

April 9, 2014

PHOENIX – It’s time to show off the first stretch of State Route 24, the Gateway Freeway, which is nearing completion in Mesa. Before the mile-long segment of SR 24 between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Ellsworth Road is finished early next month, the Arizona Department of Transportation and City of Mesa will host an “Open House” celebration on the freeway from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15.

Community members and visitors are invited to walk, jog, bike or skate on the Gateway Freeway pavement and get an up-close look at the interchange that includes elevated ramps providing direct connections with Loop 202.

Those attending the celebration will be able to enter the event by using the freeway on-ramp from southbound Ellsworth Road south of Ray Road. Signs along southbound Ellsworth Road will help direct guests to the event.

Governor Jan Brewer, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, ADOT Director John Halikowski and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Executive Director Jane Morris are expected to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The new section of State Route 24 will provide a direct connection between the Santan Freeway and Ellsworth Road, improving access to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and other local business and housing developments.

Construction of the $73 million project began in March 2012. The City of Mesa accelerated the start of construction by several years through a transportation-bonding program.

Marana to host second public hearing for ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Program

Marana to host second public hearing for ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Program

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Marana to host second public hearing for ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Program

Marana to host second public hearing for ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Program

April 7, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments on the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program while reaching out to the public and communities statewide for their input on the direction of the program over the next five years.

The second public hearing for the Tentative Five-Year Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 11 in Marana. The meeting will be held in the Town of Marana Council Chambers, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive in Marana. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system to keep it in good repair, while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program; however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion; this is the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:

  • Greater Arizona: $1.8 billion over five years (60 percent for preservation, 11 percent for expansion and 29 percent for modernization)
  • Maricopa County region: $1.7 billion over five years
  • Pima County region: $349 million over five years
  • Aviation: $1.1 billion over five years

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at [email protected].

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. The first public hearing was held in March in Phoenix. The third and final public hearing will be held on May 9 in Flagstaff. The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox.

Below are the details for the April and May public hearings and the June board meeting:

April 11 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the Town of Marana Council Chambers, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ 85653

May 9 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

June 13 at 9 a.m.: Board meeting in the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643

ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: public comment begins today

ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: public comment begins today

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: public comment begins today

ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: public comment begins today

March 7, 2014

PHOENIX – As the Arizona Department of Transportation begins planning and programming for improvements to the state highway system over the next five years, the major focus will be on preserving existing infrastructure to keep it in good repair.

Today begins the public comment period for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding—all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program, however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion; this is the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:

  • Greater Arizona: $1.8 billion over five years (60 percent for preservation, 11 percent for expansion and 29 percent for modernization)
  • Maricopa County region: $1.7 billion over five years
  • Pima County region: $349 million over five years
  • Aviation: $1.1 billion over five years

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is now available for public review and comment at www.azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at [email protected].

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. Public hearings will be conducted on March 14 in Phoenix, April 11 in Marana and May 9 in Flagstaff to allow for additional community input. The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox.

Below are the details for each of the public hearings and the June board meeting:

March 14 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the ADOT Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007

April 11 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the Town of Marana Council Chambers, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ 85653

May 9 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

June 13 at 9 a.m.: Board meeting in the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive, Willcox, AZ 85643

ADOT to hold Loop 303 meeting in Sun City West on Wednesday (Feb. 26)

ADOT to hold Loop 303 meeting in Sun City West on Wednesday (Feb. 26)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to hold Loop 303 meeting in Sun City West on Wednesday (Feb. 26)

ADOT to hold Loop 303 meeting in Sun City West on Wednesday (Feb. 26)

February 24, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has scheduled a pair of informational meetings about three future Loop 303 improvement projects in the Sun Cities and Surprise area.

The trio of projects will widen Loop 303 to three lanes in each direction between Grand Avenue (US 60) and Happy Valley Parkway, improve the Grand Avenue/Loop 303 traffic interchange and construct a new interchange at the El Mirage Road connection with the freeway.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 26 – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    Palm Ridge Recreation Center
    Summit Hall B
    13800 W. Deer Valley Drive
    Sun City West
  • Tuesday, March 11 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    Sagebrush Ballroom
    19753 N. Remington Drive
    Surprise

ADOT project team members will be on hand to provide updates about the upcoming projects and answer questions from attendees. The projects are currently in various stages of design.

The project to widen approximately six miles of the freeway from four to six lanes (three in each direction) between US 60 and Happy Valley Parkway is expected to break ground this summer.

The two projects to improve the interchange at the Loop 303 and Grand Avenue and add an interchange with ramps at El Mirage Road are expected to start by early 2015. The three projects are scheduled for completion in 2016.

The projects are funded as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ 20-Year Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004.

For information about ADOT freeway-related projects in the Phoenix region visit azdot.gov/projects or call 1.855.712.8530.

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

I-17 101 traffic interchange

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

South Mountain Freeway community forums extend outreach opportunity

May 29, 2013

PHOENIX — A series of six community forums will be conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation beginning June 4 to provide additional opportunities for members of the public to comment on the proposed South Mountain Freeway.

While these forums are not formal public hearings and will not include presentations, they will allow members of the public to view the study video, talk with technical experts about the draft environmental impact statement and provide comments to a court reporter.

Forums will be held:

  • June 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunridge Elementary School – Cafetorium, 6244 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix.
  • June 18, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Foothills Golf Club – Saguaro Room, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive in Phoenix.
  • June 22, 9 a.m. to noon at the Komatke Boys and Girls Club, 5047 W. Pecos Road on the Gila River Indian Community.
  • June 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Windmill Suites – Arizona Ballroom, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler.
  • July 9, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Laveen Education Center – Boardroom, 5001 W. Dobbins Road in Laveen.
  • July 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Avondale – Ballroom, 11460 W. Hilton Way in Avondale.

These community forums provide an opportunity beyond the formal public hearing, which was held May 21, for members of the public from across the region to learn more about the project and provide comments for the formal record.

All comments and questions will be addressed as part of the final environmental impact statement, which is set for release in 2014. This final document will have a 60-day public review period. A record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration is expected in 2014.

Those with comments about the proposed South Mountain Freeway don’t need to wait until a community forum – comments are currently being accepted through July 24, via these channels:

The six-chapter draft environmental impact statement covers potential impacts from building or not building a freeway, coordination with the Gila River Indian Community, purpose and need for a new freeway, alternatives studied and public outreach efforts since the study was launched in 2001.

The proposed South Mountain Freeway has been a critical part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Freeway Program since it was first included in funding through Proposition 300 approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985. The freeway was also part of the Regional Transportation Plan funding passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400.

Funding for the South Mountain Freeway is already available in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan; construction of the freeway, if approved, could begin as soon as 2015. The eight-lane freeway would run from I-10 in the West Valley along 59th Avenue, cut across the southwest corner of South Mountain Park, and connect with Pecos Road on the south side of Ahwatukee to connect with I-10 and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. The 22- to 24-mile-long freeway has a $1.9 billion budget, allocated through voter-approved transportation funds as outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan.

For more information on the draft environmental impact statement or the community forums for the South Mountain Freeway, please visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.