Rest Areas

ADOT nearly doubling truck parking at I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area

ADOT nearly doubling truck parking at I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT nearly doubling truck parking at I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area

ADOT nearly doubling truck parking at I-40 Meteor Crater Rest Area

June 10, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has expanded a renovation project at the Interstate 40 Meteor Crater Rest Area in northern Arizona to nearly double the parking spaces available for commercial vehicles. 

With 65 truck parking spaces currently available at the rest area between Flagstaff and Winslow, ADOT is adding 32 spaces to the westbound facility and 24 spaces to the eastbound facility. This $5.2 million improvement was added to a current project renovating both the Meteor Crater Rest Area and the Painted Cliffs Rest Area along I-40 near New Mexico.

A similar project recently completed at the I-40 Haviland Rest Area in northwestern Arizona has added 38 truck parking spaces to the seven already available in each direction. That facility is west of Kingman between mileposts 22 and 23.

“Adding nearly 100 truck parking spaces along the busy I-40 corridor will promote safety by helping long-haul truckers who log long hours to get goods where people need them,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “They can pull into these rest areas with more confidence there will be spaces for them.”

There are 468 total commercial vehicle parking spaces at the state’s 27 rest area facilities. In addition, ADOT has temporarily reopened the Interstate 17 Christensen Rest Area south of Flagstaff and the Interstate 40 Parks Rest Area exclusively for commercial vehicles, adding 44 truck parking spaces during the current public health situation.

Drivers can see how many total truck parking spaces are at each rest area location by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information 511 website at az511.gov, checking the rest area icon box in the map legend and then clicking on the map’s rest area markers.

ADOT 511 website now lets truckers see rest areas’ parking capacity

ADOT 511 website now lets truckers see rest areas’ parking capacity

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT 511 website now lets truckers see rest areas’ parking capacity

ADOT 511 website now lets truckers see rest areas’ parking capacity

June 1, 2020

PHOENIX – Truck drivers looking for places to rest can now find the total number of truck parking spaces at any of Arizona’s rest areas on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Arizona Traveler Information 511 website.

This new feature at az511.gov allows commercial vehicle drivers to see how many total spaces are available at each rest area on their routes. Click on the ‘Map Legend’ box on the right-hand side of the screen and check the box next to ‘Rest Areas’ to bring up the rest areas on the map. Clicking on a rest area location will show details including the total number of truck spaces.

There currently are 430 total truck parking spaces at the state’s 27 rest area facilities.

“Providing opportunities for long-haul truckers to rest is important in keeping commerce flowing in Arizona,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “During this unprecedented time, truckers have been key to keeping grocery stores stocked and medical facilities supplied. Facilitating these safe locations for rest is key to ADOT’s mission.”

And more is on the horizon: Last year, Arizona and three other states that are part of the I-10 Corridor Coalition, California, New Mexico and Texas, received a federal grant to fund development of a program that will alert commercial truck drivers to available truck parking at Interstate 10 rest areas. 

During fiscal year 2019, nearly 7.5 million commercial trucks entered Arizona.

In addition to the hundreds of truck parking spaces available at rest areas, ADOT temporarily reopened two long-shuttered northern Arizona rest areas, Parks on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff and Christensen on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff, to provide 44 additional parking spaces during the current public health situation. 

Meanwhile, there are projects underway at two I-40 rest areas, Haviland and Meteor Crater, to expand truck parking spaces by 38 at Haviland and 60 at Meteor Crater. The project at Haviland was deemed an emergency due to the current public health situation. The expansion at Meteor Crater was added to an existing project to renovate the rest area. Both truck parking expansion projects are scheduled to wrap up this summer.

Nearly 1.5 million users have accessed az511.gov since the redesigned website launched in March 2019. November and December saw the most users, with more than 450,000 visiting the site. For more information, please visit az511.gov and azdot.gov.

More commercial truck parking coming to I-40 Haviland Rest Area

More commercial truck parking coming to I-40 Haviland Rest Area

I-17 101 traffic interchange

More commercial truck parking coming to I-40 Haviland Rest Area

More commercial truck parking coming to I-40 Haviland Rest Area

April 29, 2020

PHOENIX – A project fast-tracked by the Arizona Department of Transportation will add 38 truck parking spaces to the Haviland Rest Area along I-40 west of Kingman.

Deemed an emergency project due to the current public health situation, the upgrade will allow more commercial drivers to rest as they travel long distances delivering essential supplies. The State Transportation Board awarded the $3.98 million project to Fann Contracting on Tuesday. 

ADOT is adding 22 truck parking spaces to the existing seven spaces at the eastbound rest area and 16 spaces to the existing seven spaces at the westbound rest area. The facilities are located between mileposts 22 and 23, about 25 miles southwest of Kingman. 

“This project helps everyone get safely home by making it easier for long-haul truck drivers to get the rest they need while they support our communities,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

The project is scheduled to start in the next week and is expected to be complete by July.

Haviland Rest Area will remain open and available for commercial vehicles and other travelers during the work.

In addition to moving this project forward to support trucking, ADOT has temporarily reopened the Parks and Christensen rest areas, located along I-40 and I-17 respectively in northern Arizona, exclusively for commercial vehicles. Governor Ducey and ADOT also raised the weight limit for commercial vehicles hauling supplies for the COVID-19 relief effort to 90,000 pounds, making it more efficient to get supplies to grocery stores and medical facilities.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov

Food at rest areas helping commercial drivers keep on truckin'

Food at rest areas helping commercial drivers keep on truckin'

Food at rest areas helping commercial drivers keep on truckin'

Food at rest areas helping commercial drivers keep on truckin'

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
April 23, 2020

Food Trucks for Truckers_041820For the time being, you’ll be able to find fine cuisine such as loaded nachos, various types of burgers, french fries, salads, burritos and deep fried something or other at popular rest areas around the state. That’s right! The food trucks have moved in thanks to an executive order signed by Governor Ducey earlier this month. 

The executive order was written to support the trucking industry as commercial vehicle drivers are working long hours to make sure grocery stores are stocked and medical facilities are properly supplied as we work through COVID-19 as a community.

Truck drivers drive long distances for much of the day. Having a hot meal at a rest area can help to keep them refreshed and alert as they make their crucial deliveries. So, for the next few weeks, food trucks will be there to serve them. 

But, if you’re not a truck driver and you find yourself at a rest area with food trucks, don’t be shy about patronizing the business!

Check out the Flickr gallery at right showing people visiting the food trucks at Sunset Point Rest Area during the first weekend they were permitted to be there. 

Rest areas hosting food trucks are Ehrenberg, Sacaton and Burnt Wells on I-10; Haviland, Meteor Crater and Parks on I-40; and Sunset Point and Christensen on I-17.

In addition to permitting food trucks at rest areas to serve truck drivers, ADOT has also temporarily reopened the Parks and Christensen rest areas in northern Arizona to provide more truck parking. Governor Ducey and ADOT also raised the weight limit for commercial trucks carrying goods and supplies to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts to 90,000 pound gross without needing an overweight permit. This helps to get those needed supplies where they need to go more efficiently.

Governor’s executive order permits food trucks at ADOT rest areas

Governor’s executive order permits food trucks at ADOT rest areas

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor’s executive order permits food trucks at ADOT rest areas

Governor’s executive order permits food trucks at ADOT rest areas

April 15, 2020

PHOENIX – To help the long-haul truckers keeping Arizonans supplied with food and essentials, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing food trucks to operate at eight Arizona Department of Transportation rest areas. While commercial activity is ordinarily prohibited at federally funded rest areas, the Federal Highway Administration recently permitted states to allow food trucks at rest areas while the national emergency declaration remains in effect.

“We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support the truck drivers who are working long hours to keep our grocery stores stocked and our medical professionals equipped,” Governor Ducey said. “Today’s order will allow long-haul truck drivers to buy nutritious food during their trips, and will help increase business for food trucks at this time. Arizona will emerge from this public health challenge stronger by supporting each other and staying connected.”

To support Governor Ducey’s Executive Order, the Arizona Department of Transportation has developed a permit process for food truck owners. Owners can visit azdot.gov/permits and click on the Encroachment Permits tab to get more information and apply for a permit to sell food at the rest areas. There’s no cost for the permit, and it will be good for 30 days.

The program will initially include eight rest areas along interstate freeways: Sunset Point and Christensen along I-17; Haviland, Parks and Meteor Crater along I-40; and Ehrenberg, Burnt Wells and Sacaton along I-10. More rest areas may be added depending on demand.

Food trucks permitted to operate at rest areas will have to abide by all federal, state and local guidelines for operation and public interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Earlier this month, ADOT reopened the Parks and Christensen rest areas, located along I-40 and I-17 respectively in northern Arizona, exclusively for commercial vehicles to use. Governor Ducey and ADOT also raised the weight limit for commercial vehicles hauling supplies for the coronavirus relief effort to 90,000 pounds, making it more efficient to get supplies to grocery stores and medical facilities.

View the Executive Order HERE.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov.

ADOT (literally) pulling out the stops to support trucking during pandemic

ADOT (literally) pulling out the stops to support trucking during pandemic

ADOT (literally) pulling out the stops to support trucking during pandemic

ADOT (literally) pulling out the stops to support trucking during pandemic

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
April 8, 2020

I-17 Christensen Rest Area_040320As a writer, I cringe when words are misused, especially “literally.” However, this time that word is used correctly when I say that ADOT has literally pulled out the stops to support commercial vehicles and drivers during the current public health situation. We’ve actually pulled out two stops, or rest areas, to be precise.

On April 3, ADOT reopened the long-shuttered Christensen and Parks rest areas along I-17 and I-40 respectively in northern Arizona to provide more truck parking for those hauling critical goods and supplies to communities.

ADOT crews worked to get the parking lots back in shape and bring in portable toilets and handwashing stations for truckers to use. Take a look at slideshows at right (Christensen) and below (Parks) of crews working to ready more places for truckers to stop and rest.

In fact, all of ADOT’s rest areas remain open with elevated sanitary protocols. ADOT has worked with the contractor responsible for rest areas to make sure each facility is adequately supplied for staff to conduct more frequent cleanings and to regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doors and handles, sinks and faucets.

Temporarily reopening two rest areas isn’t the only thing ADOT has done to support trucking. Recently, Governor Ducey and ADOT took action to help needed supplies get where they need to go by temporarily raising weight limits to 90,000 pounds.

That means commercial vehicles hauling supplies to support coronavirus relief efforts can carry larger loads – up to 90,000 pounds – without the need for an overweight permit. Normally, trucks with a gross weight of more than 80,000 pounds need a permit.

The new guidelines align with federal guidance and will help ensure Arizona’s groceries, pharmacies and medical providers remain fully supplied.

ADOT will continue to look for ways to support coronavirus relief efforts and the trucking industry that has become a vital part of those efforts.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 in Arizona, please visit azhealth.gov/covid19. For resources and information about Arizona’s response to COVID-19, visit ArizonaTogether.org.

I-40 Parks Rest Area_040320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADOT reopens two northern Arizona rest areas to support trucking

ADOT reopens two northern Arizona rest areas to support trucking

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT reopens two northern Arizona rest areas to support trucking

ADOT reopens two northern Arizona rest areas to support trucking

April 3, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has temporarily reopened two long-shuttered northern Arizona rest areas to support truckers hauling essentials during the current public health situation.

The Parks Rest Area along Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff (milepost 182) and the Christensen Rest Area on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff (milepost 324) offer parking, portable toilets and handwashing stations exclusively for commercial vehicle drivers.

“Long-haul truckers are working tirelessly to support our nation during this difficult time, and we will do all we can to support them,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Opening these temporary rest stops provides a place for drivers to get the rest they need as they help all of us.” 

ADOT crews have been busy restriping the parking lots of both rest areas. Portable toilets and handwashing stations have been brought in, as well as trash bins. There will be staff at the rest areas for a few hours every day.

The Parks and Christensen rest areas are only available to commercial vehicles. Other ADOT rest areas remain open for all travelers, with staff following enhanced sanitation protocols including regularly wiping down frequently touched surfaces.

With services available in and around Flagstaff, and along I-40 and I-17, Christensen closed in 2002 and Parks closed in 2009.There are no plans to reopen either rest area permanently. 

To learn more about other ADOT’s efforts to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit azdot.gov/covid-19-resource-center.

Throwback Thursday: Take a moment to learn something new

Throwback Thursday: Take a moment to learn something new

Throwback Thursday: Take a moment to learn something new

Throwback Thursday: Take a moment to learn something new

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
March 19, 2020

You're on a long drive and, despite the empty energy drink can in your cupholder, you are starting to feel just a wee bit tired. 

Or, because of that same energy drink, you find that you need to make a pit stop.

Luckily the sign up ahead says only a few more miles to a rest area. You eventually pull in, stretch your legs and take care of what you need to. But as you're doing a few stretches before jumping back into your car your wandering eyes find a display board. With a few minutes to spare, you peruse some information about local history, flora or fauna, maybe learning something you didn't know before. Then it's back on the road for you.

Display boards are part of what gives each of our 27 rest areas its own flavor, more than just a stop to use the facilities. That's why we find today's photo from the Canoa Ranch Rest Area off of Interstate 19 between Tucson and Nogales so interesting. As you can see, isn't about the rest area itself but what a vistor in 1978 (when this photo was taken) would see. 

There's information on San Xavier del Bac, Tumacacori and 17th-century missionary Eusebio Kino, as well as Arizona in general and the Sonoran Desert.

But what makes this photo so fun is that we can compare it to some recent pictures of the current displays at the rest area that one of our employees shared on social media back in February. The artwork on the new signs is little brighter than in this photo, but the purpose behind both is the same.

These boards are just one facelift Canoa Ranch has seen in recent years. The rest area was closed for six months between 2018 and 2019 for a series of upgrades, reopening last May. 

Next time you are coming up on a rest area, whether you have to stop due to that energy drink or not, why not pull in to learn something new?

Throwback Thursday: It's only a model

Throwback Thursday: It's only a model

Throwback Thursday: It's only a model

Throwback Thursday: It's only a model

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
January 16, 2020

No, this isn't a screenshot from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

What you are looking at is a physical model made for a proposed design of the Sacaton Rest Area along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Unfortunately the photo is not dated, but the sign on it references the Arizona State Highway Department, so it has to be prior to 1974, when we became the Arizona Department of Transportation. Much of the original rest area infrastructure in Arizona was built more than 50 years ago, so that – plus the type of cars the model is using – suggests this "High Desert" concept was designed in the 1960s. 

Take a moment to gaze on what might have been. The interlocking-square geometric design of both the ramadas and the sidewalks is a lot different from the more triangular designs visitors today see. And how about that observation tower? That apparently didn't make the cut into the final design either.

Though visitors to the Sacaton Rest Area today will find a different layout, what they will find is a safe and pleasant space to stretch their legs, walk pets, have a picnic lunch and use the restrooms. ADOT spent the better part of 2018 renovating the rest area, upgrading its restrooms, water lines, septic tanks, electrical and mechanical systems and paint. 

The rest area today may not look like the model, but we promise that you still find a pleasant place to take a mid-drive break. Even if it doesn't have an observation tower.

Haviland Rest Area reopens along I-40 after $3.6 million in renovations

Haviland Rest Area reopens along I-40 after $3.6 million in renovations

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Haviland Rest Area reopens along I-40 after $3.6 million in renovations

Haviland Rest Area reopens along I-40 after $3.6 million in renovations

July 15, 2019

PHOENIX – The Haviland Rest Area along Interstate 40 west of Kingman has reopened after $3.6 million in improvements, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The popular rest stop, which is located at milepost 23 about 30 miles west of Kingman, has upgraded restrooms, ramadas, vendor kiosks and utility infrastructure. New well equipment and a water transmission line were also part of the upgrades. Septic tanks and sewer lines were also replaced. 

It is the most recent rest area to undergo renovations in recent years. ADOT has been investing in upgrades to older rest areas that have been in place for as long as 50 years. 

The Sacaton Rest Area on Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande was renovated and reopened late last year. The Mohawk Rest Area on Interstate 8 reopened in 2017 following renovations while the Texas Canyon and San Simon rest areas on I-10 between Tucson and New Mexico reopened with new facilities and infrastructure in 2016. 

More information on rest areas can be found at azdot.gov/RestAreas