PHOENIX – Comments are welcome through Friday, Sept. 6, on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s proposed update to its Strategic Highway Safety Plan and a draft of the state’s first Active Transportation Safety Action Plan, which aims to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities where those activities intersect with the state highway system. 

Both proposals are available for review at azdot.gov/SafetyPlan. 

Federal regulations require each state to have a Strategic Highway Safety Plan for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways and to update that plan every five years. ADOT leads development of this plan in partnership with local, state, federal and other stakeholders so that all highway safety programs can leverage resources and work together effectively to enhance safety.

The proposed Strategic Highway Safety Plan update, developed after a series of public meetings earlier this year, focuses on the following emphasis areas that account for a large percentage of life-altering crashes in Arizona: human behavior; intersections; lane departure; vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists; and incidents on tribal lands.

ADOT and its partners propose dozens of strategies based on public and stakeholder input, data analysis, and previously completed research and planning. These include:

• improving visibility of vulnerable road users, all other users and roadway features;

• incorporating vulnerable road users more prominently in the planning, design and programming process;

• reducing high-risk movements by drivers; 

• conducting high-visibility enforcement at intersections; and 

• promoting safety at crash scenes.

The proposed update is based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe System Approach, which looks at all factors affecting safety and emphasizes a shared responsibility for improving safety on roadways. 

ADOT and its partners also are developing Arizona’s first Active Transportation Safety Action Plan to address a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Arizona, the vast majority of which occur on local roadways. This proposal recommends location-specific projects along the state highway system aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

You also can provide input on both proposals through Friday, Sept. 6, in these ways:

• Complete an online survey at: azdot.gov/SafetyPlanComments

• Email: [email protected] 

• Call the bilingual phone line: 855.712.8530

• Mail: ADOT SHSP & ATSAP, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/SafetyPlan.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a proposed update to its Strategic Highway Safety Plan and a draft of the state’s first Active Transportation Safety Action Plan, which aims to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities where those activities intersect with the state highway system. 

Both proposals are available for review at azdot.gov/SafetyPlan. Comments are welcome through Friday, Sept. 6.

Federal regulations require each state to have a Strategic Highway Safety Plan for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways and to update that plan every five years. ADOT leads development of this plan in partnership with local, state, federal and other stakeholders so that all highway safety programs can leverage resources and work together effectively to enhance safety.

The proposed Strategic Highway Safety Plan update, developed after a series of public meetings earlier this year, focuses on the following emphasis areas that account for a large percentage of life-altering crashes in Arizona: human behavior; intersections; lane departure; vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists; and incidents on tribal lands.

ADOT and its partners propose dozens of strategies based on public and stakeholder input, data analysis, and previously completed research and planning. These include:

• improving visibility of vulnerable road users, all other users and roadway features;
• incorporating vulnerable road users more prominently in the planning, design and programming process;
• reducing high-risk movements by drivers; 
• conducting high-visibility enforcement at intersections; and 
• promoting safety at crash scenes.

The proposed update is based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe System Approach, which looks at all factors affecting safety and emphasizes a shared responsibility for improving safety on roadways. 

ADOT and its partners also are developing Arizona’s first Active Transportation Safety Action Plan to address a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Arizona, the vast majority of which occur on local roadways. This proposal recommends location-specific projects along the state highway system aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

You also can provide input on both proposals through Friday, Sept. 6, in these ways:

• Complete an online survey at: azdot.gov/SafetyPlanComments
• Email: [email protected] 
• Call the bilingual phone line: 855.712.8530
• Mail: ADOT SHSP & ATSAP, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/SafetyPlan.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a proposed update to its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan that would add nine state highway segments to a planned network of fast-charging stations. 

The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, on the proposal to add the following to a list that currently includes all interstate freeways, US 89, and portions of US 93 and state routes 64, 87, 95 and 347:

• US 60: Wickenburg to Phoenix
• US 60: Phoenix to Globe
• US 60: Show Low to New Mexico
• US 93: Wickenburg to I-40
• US 95: Quartzsite to San Luis
• US 160: US 89 to Four Corners
• SR 68: US 93 to Bullhead City
• SR 80: Bisbee to Douglas
• SR 90: I-10 to Bisbee

Please visit azdot.gov/EVPlan to register for the virtual meeting and receive your link to attend. Project staff will be available to share information about the new proposed station locations on state highways and answer questions. 

You can provide feedback on the proposed update through Wednesday, July 17, in the following ways:

• Virtual Meeting: Register at azdot.gov/EVmeeting 
• Online Survey: Available at azdot.gov/EVcomments 
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 800.915.4301
• Mail: ADOT EV Plan, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The evolving electric vehicle charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The program encourages adoption of electric vehicles by building a nationwide network of publicly accessible and reliable fast chargers that will reduce drivers’ concerns about the range of electric vehicles.

The charging stations will be built with 80% federal funding and a 20% private match. No state funding will be used to build the charging station network. ADOT will administer the contracting process with private companies that will operate the stations.

Planning and construction using NEVI funds is slated to start in 2025, but the buildout will take place over several years. This year, ADOT began seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade the first phase of electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. ADOT expects to award contracts for these stations in late summer, with stations slated to be operational in one year from the start of construction

To learn more, please visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation are proposing to renew an agreement through which ADOT assumes FHWA’s authority for approval of federal environmental review documents for proposed projects. 

A draft Memorandum of Understanding that would continue this agreement, known as NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Assignment, has been posted to the Federal Register and is available for comment until May 10.

The agreement, established in 2019, allows a state to apply for and assume decision-making and legal responsibility for meeting NEPA requirements and other federal environmental laws otherwise administered by FHWA for projects. Congress established the program to help streamline environmental reviews for federally funded highway projects. Arizona is among eight states, including California and Texas, that currently have this authority. NEPA requirements apply to all projects that use federal funds.

To learn more about NEPA Assignment, review the draft Memorandum of Understanding for NEPA Assignment and find out how to submit comments to FHWA, by visiting ADOT's NEPA Assignment webpage.

PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation have renewed an agreement through which ADOT assumes FHWA’s authority for environmental reviews and determinations for certain types of projects.

Final approval of this Memorandum of Understanding, which follows a public comment period that began in October, continues an agreement known as Responsibility for Categorical Exclusions. Congress established the program to help streamline environmental reviews for federal-aid highway projects. 

The agreement, established in 2018 and renewed in 2021, involves federal-aid projects found to have no significant environmental impacts. It allows ADOT to determine, as defined under the National Environmental Policy Act, whether a project is categorically excluded from preparation of a more extensive environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement based on anticipated environmental impacts. Arizona is among eight states, including California and Utah, that currently have this authority.  

States must still comply with all requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws, regulations, executive orders and policies on all federal-aid highway projects their transportation departments administer.

Please visit azdot.gov/CE-Assignment to learn more about this agreement and review the final Memorandum of Understanding.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Office of Communications and Public Involvement has won four top awards from an organization representing state transportation agencies across the country. 

ADOT took home the honors during the recent annual meeting of TransComm, the communications committee for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a national nonprofit group that represents and supports state departments of transportation. 

The winners were: 

TransComm PR Professional of the Year: Doug Pacey
As a public information officer and now Assistant Communications Director for Digital Communications, with responsibilities that include oversight of ADOT’s social media accounts, Pacey leads development of safety campaigns including the attention-grabbing messages that appear on digital message boards. He has spoken to TransComm and other regional and national groups about the effective use of humor in transportation communications.

Virtual Public Involvement: 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan
A broad cross-section of Arizonans, nearly 10,000 in all, provided input for this recently adopted blueprint and vision for ADOT’s priorities over the next 25 years. Virtual outreach included an interactive online survey; public meetings held via Zoom, telephone and a self-guided online meeting room that simulated a public meeting; a comprehensive website; online options that supplemented traditional methods for submitting feedback; and extensive notification of engagement opportunities, including digital ads, social media posts and email alerts.

Video Production-External: Sliding a Bridge – SR 79 at the Gila River
This narrated video showed how ADOT used an innovative approach to replace this key bridge in Florence by assembling the new structure next to the existing bridge and then sliding it into place. 

Transportation Event: I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project – Ready to Rubble 
A comprehensive communication plan, stakeholder tours and media event presented removing three Interstate 10 bridges, requiring a weekend closure, as “Ready to Rubble: The Ultimate Bridge Takedown.” In addition to information, photos and video shared through ADOT’s distribution channels, including this YouTube video, several media outlets provided live shots and other behind-the-scenes coverage.

ADOT Communications and Public Involvement supports projects and agency priorities through public involvement outreach, news media relations, safety communications, social media engagement, graphics and video production, website design and operations, internal communications, constituent services and more.

PHOENIX – Following approval by the State Transportation Board, the Arizona Department of Transportation has adopted the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan providing a blueprint and vision for ADOT’s priorities over the next 25 years. 

The plan, which is not project-specific, sets transportation investment priorities for ADOT based on anticipated future revenues and system needs.

The State Transportation Board approved the update at its Friday, Oct. 20, meeting in Yuma.

A broad cross-section of Arizonans, nearly 10,000 in all, provided input on the plan. Their input made it clear that ADOT’s top priorities should be fixing roads and preserving and maintaining existing infrastructure, along with highway projects that address growth and improve highways in rural areas. 

The plan, which is updated every five years, is available for review at ADOT2050plan.com. 

PHOENIX – After extensive study and public input on the feasibility of reopening 5 miles of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) severely damaged by flooding and erosion, the Arizona Department of Transportation is recommending improvements estimated to cost $33.7 million that would be needed to restore access safely and sustainably. 

There currently is no funding identified for a project on this unpaved stretch east of the Phoenix area, though ADOT is seeking federal funding. The recommendation contained in ADOT’s Final Design Concept Report would be the basis for design and construction when future funding is identified.

“Subject to funds becoming available, we are proposing improvements that would reduce the chances of future damage from storms and enhance safety for motorists,” said Paul Patane, ADOT Multimodal Planning Division Director. “We understand State Route 88’s place in the hearts of many Arizonans and have a recommendation that prioritizes safety and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”

SR 88 closed in 2019 between Fish Creek Hill Overlook and Apache Lake Marina Road (mileposts 222-229) when torrential rain onto the adjacent Woodbury Fire scar extensively damaged the gravel roadway and left a section blocked by boulders. The storm also damaged the drainage system, guardrail and bridge approaches and left unstable rock faces, creating safety issues and making the road vulnerable to additional damage and closures.

Funded by a legislative appropriation, the State Route 88 (Apache Trail) Study received comments from nearly 1,700 Arizonans, the majority of whom supported ADOT’s preferred alternative for reopening the roadway. ADOT’s recommendation was based on public input, as well as evaluation criteria including resilience, cost, feasibility, safety and potential environmental impacts of the improvements that include: 

• chip sealing the road surface throughout the 5 miles;

• widening the roadway to 15 feet in steeper areas;

• adding rock bolts to potentially unstable rock faces and scaling to remove loose and overhanging rock;

• increasing drainage capacity to accommodate accommodate 2.25 inches of rain in an hour; 

• rehabilitating or repairing existing bridges; 

• placing new concrete barrier for safety on steep sections; and 

• adding pullouts, signs and other safety enhancements. 

Traveling between the East Valley and Roosevelt Lake, Apache Trail was built for construction of Theodore Roosevelt Dam, which was completed in 1911. Prior to closing in 2019, the stretch between Tortilla Flat and Apache Lake was used by an average of 232 vehicles daily.

ADOT has performed extensive work to restore access to and improve other damaged sections of SR 88 and made regular repairs when flooding has damaged areas that are open to traffic. Last year, ADOT reopened 1.7 miles west from Apache Lake to restore access to the Reavis Trailhead at milepost 227. An $18 million project is chip-sealing 11 miles between Apache Lake and SR 188 near Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Motorists can safely access Apache Lake and other points on the east side of the closure via SR 188. From the west, SR 88 is open to Fish Creek Vista facilities 9 miles east of Tortilla Flat, which has been accessible throughout via Canyon Lake. 

The next step in advancing a project in the stretch that remains closed would include conducting final design and an extensive environmental study. This would be required because this stretch is on an easement through U.S. Forest Service land. That process can be expected to take up to two years. 

ADOT has begun seeking federal funding to advance a project. This includes a pending application through the Federal Highway Administration’s Promoting Reliant Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program, seeking $3.6 million to be used for design and environmental study.

For more information on the study and SR 88, please visit azdot.gov/SR88Study.

PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation are proposing to renew an agreement through which ADOT assumes FHWA’s authority for environmental reviews and determinations for certain types of projects.

A draft Memorandum of Understanding that would continue this agreement, known as Categorical Exclusion assignment, has been posted to the Federal Register and is available for comment until Oct. 30.

The agreement, established in 2018 and renewed in 2021, involves federal-aid projects found to have no significant environmental impacts. It allows ADOT to determine whether a project is categorically excluded from preparation of a more extensive environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement based on anticipated environmental impacts. Arizona is among eight states, including California and Utah, that currently have this authority.  

Congress established the program to help streamline environmental reviews for federal-aid highway projects. States must still comply with all requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws, regulations, executive orders and policies on all federal-aid highway projects their transportation departments administer.

You can learn more about Categorical Exclusion assignment, review the draft Memorandum of Understanding, and find out how to submit comments to FHWA at azdot.gov/CE-Assignment.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has released the Final 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan that provides a blueprint and vision for the state’s transportation system over the next 25 years. 

The plan, which is not project-specific, sets transportation investment priorities for ADOT and partner agencies based on anticipated future revenues and costs for improvements.

ADOT will present the final plan for consideration and action at the State Transportation Board’s Oct. 20 meeting in Yuma.

A broad cross-section of Arizonans, nearly 10,000 in all, took surveys, attended public meetings and shared comments through the public involvement process. Their input made it clear that ADOT’s top priority should be fixing roads and preserving and maintaining existing infrastructure, along with prioritizing highway projects that address growth and improve highways in rural areas. 

The final plan includes a projection of $69 billion in transportation revenues, including state, federal and regional funds, between 2026 and 2050, including funding from the new federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It also points to anticipated transportation needs totaling $231 billion over that same 25-year period.

The plan, which is updated every five years with input from the public, is available for review at ADOT2050plan.com.