PHOENIX – Great news for those heading to the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains to beat the heat: An Arizona Department of Transportation project has restored northbound State Route 87 to two lanes about 10 miles south of Payson. 

The right lane had been closed near milepost 243 since a tanker fire severely damaged the pavement a week ago. To make sure the highway is ready for weekend travel, ADOT engaged a contractor that began work early Friday to repave both northbound lanes. 

After the weekend, a daytime right lane closure will be needed from Monday through Thursday in the coming weeks so crews can complete environmental cleanup. Both northbound lanes of SR 87 will continue to be available for weekend travel.

Those planning to take US 60 to the White Mountains should plan for delays just south of Salt River Canyon, where a paving project requires a pilot car to guide traffic in each direction on one alternating lane between mileposts 288 and 293. 

Wherever you may be going in the current extreme heat, following these tips can help keep you, your passengers and your pets safe:

• Keep your fuel tank at least three-quarters full to avoid running out of gas.

• Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is functioning properly.

• Pack a cooler with cold drinking water and healthy snacks.

• Have an umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing for sun protection.

• Review other ADOT tips for extreme weather at azdot.gov/severe-weather.

Highway conditions and restrictions can and do change rapidly. Before your trip, please get the latest information by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website at az511.gov, using the AZ511 app, calling 511 or checking ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has upgraded traffic signal technology and timing on State Route 87 and State Route 260 in Payson to improve travel for residents, visitors and those passing through town.

Engineers with the Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Division have added nine Payson traffic signals to ADOT’s Statewide Traffic Signal System by installing radios and cell modems. This allows ADOT staff in Phoenix and Payson to monitor the signals remotely and adjust timing when there is a scheduled event or an incident such as a crash that blocks lanes. 

Engineers also used this technology to create new signal timing plans for weekdays and for weekends, when Payson sees increased traffic heading to and through town. Separate signal timing plans for Saturdays and Sundays address the different traffic demands each day.

One advantage of this technology is having all signals on the same clock, getting rid of variability that develops when individual signals operate on their own clocks. Combined with the signal timing plan, this reduces delays caused by red lights on SR 87 and SR 260. 

Payson joins several other rural communities using this combination of technology and the coordinated signal timing on state highways that are key arteries. In Bullhead City, for example, travel through town on State Route 95 now takes five minutes less on average thanks to recent ADOT upgrades.

Payson presented engineers with a greater challenge than some other communities because the speed limit drops as traffic nears downtown, traffic signals are close together and there is a busy intersection where SR 260 meets SR 87. ADOT will continue working closely with local officials and other stakeholders to enhance traffic flow.

One other benefit of upgraded technology is closed-circuit television cameras that allow for remote monitoring of traffic. Several of these cameras are already available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website at az511.gov. 

ADOT’s Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Division focuses on operational and safety improvements that enhance the performance of the existing transportation system. To learn more about how TSMO helps Arizonans get where they need to be, please visit azdot.gov/TSMO.