SR 260

State Route 260 project in the homestretch for completion this fall

State Route 260 project in the homestretch for completion this fall

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 260 project in the homestretch for completion this fall

State Route 260 project in the homestretch for completion this fall

September 6, 2018

PHOENIX – Work on the 9-mile State Route 260 widening project that will enhance travel and mobility between Camp Verde and Cottonwood is in the final stages leading up to completion this fall.

Currently, traffic is using one lane in each direction along the new alignment and using all seven roundabout intersections between Interstate 17 and Thousand Trails Road. Crews are finishing the curbs of roundabouts and installing permanent road signs along the project area.

Once the curbs and signs are complete, crews will add another layer of pavement to the highway. This process will take several weeks. After that, crews will lay the top layer of pavement known as friction course. They will then return a few weeks after that to lay down permanent striping.

In addition to the seven roundabout intersections, the widening project also features a multiuse path between Wilshire and Cherry Creek roads that was completed in May and a new bridge over Cherry Creek that was completed in January.

For more information on this $62 million project, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on North Central District.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Multiuse path adds to mobility options along SR 260 in Camp Verde

Multiuse path adds to mobility options along SR 260 in Camp Verde

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Multiuse path adds to mobility options along SR 260 in Camp Verde

Multiuse path adds to mobility options along SR 260 in Camp Verde

May 17, 2018

PHOENIX – In addition to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians will benefit from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s State Route 260 project enhancing travel and mobility between Camp Verde and Cottonwood in the Verde Valley.

As they widen and divide 9 miles of the highway, crews recently finished paving a 10-foot wide multiuse path on the south side of SR 260 between Wilshire and Cherry Creek roads.

Built at a cost of $300,000 and stretching about 2 miles, the path ties into 5-foot wide detached sidewalk at each of the three roundabouts it will connect along the highway.

“As this entire area is expected to grow over the coming years, this multiuse path gives people living in the nearby neighborhoods more options to move about in that area of town,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District.

The multiuse path was originally part of the SR 260 widening project, but it was dropped in order to reduce the cost of the overall project. ADOT was able to add it back in after working with the contractor to re-phase construction and reduce the amount of temporary pavement used for detours.

“From a community standpoint in a more urbanized area, it’s a desirable element of the project,” said James Bramble, ADOT senior project manager for the SR 260 widening project. “Paired with the detached sidewalk, it keeps pedestrian traffic separated from the highway.”

For the larger widening project, crews currently are focused on building new westbound lanes along SR 260 between Wilshire and Horseshoe Bend roads and from Cherry Creek Road to the bridge over Cherry Creek. Roundabouts at Wilshire, Horseshoe Bend and Cherry Creek roads opened to traffic last month, and four other roundabouts are under construction.

The $62 million project is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year.

Traffic shifts a milestone for SR 260 improvement project in Verde Valley

Traffic shifts a milestone for SR 260 improvement project in Verde Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Traffic shifts a milestone for SR 260 improvement project in Verde Valley

Traffic shifts a milestone for SR 260 improvement project in Verde Valley

April 4, 2018

PHOENIX – Next week will bring another milestone for the State Route 260 widening project between Camp Verde and Cottonwood in the Verde Valley as the Arizona Department of Transportation switches traffic along two stretches to new eastbound lanes and opens three roundabouts.

The $62 million project covering 9 miles of SR 260 west of I-17 remains on schedule. By the end of the year, this stretch will be a divided four-lane highway with seven roundabouts at major intersections, increasing safety and capacity while handling traffic more efficiently.

On the evening of Monday, April 9, both directions of traffic will shift from the existing roadway to the new eastbound lanes between Wilshire and Horseshoe Bend roads. The roundabouts at those intersections will also open to traffic.

Between Horseshoe Bend and Cherry Creek roads, traffic will split, with westbound traffic using the existing roadway and eastbound traffic using the new eastbound lanes.

Access to side streets along this stretch of SR 260 will vary after the traffic switch. Streets like Doug’s Park Road and Dickinson Circle will be maintained after the switch has occurred. Park Verde Road, on the other hand, will be closed for a few months while crews work on the existing roadway in that area. Residents will be able to access the neighborhood via the new roundabout at Horseshoe Bend Road.

On Tuesday night, April 10, crews plan to open the new Cherry Creek Road roundabout to traffic and shut down the temporary traffic signal drivers have been using at Sharpshooter Way for the past few months.

On Wednesday night, April 11, crews will shift both directions of traffic to the new eastbound lanes between Cherry Creek Road and Roundabout 5, built to accommodate future development along SR 260.

Drivers should slow down in the work zone and watch for signs and changes in traffic flow.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

SR 260 roundabouts designed to increase safety, increase capacity

SR 260 roundabouts designed to increase safety, increase capacity

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 260 roundabouts designed to increase safety, increase capacity

SR 260 roundabouts designed to increase safety, increase capacity

March 5, 2018

PHOENIX – When the Arizona Department of Transportation completes a $62 million project widening 9 miles of State Route 260 between Camp Verde and Cottonwood, motorists will use seven modern roundabout intersections designed to improve traffic flow while reducing the risk of serious crashes.

“Roundabouts are a great alternative to the traditional intersection,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District. “While they may be a change, the safety benefits cannot be ignored.”

These circular intersections with no traffic signals have just eight conflict points where crashes can occur, versus 32 in a traditional intersection. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, modern roundabouts provide a 90 percent reduction in fatal crashes, a 75 percent reduction in injury crashes and reductions in crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

They also increase traffic flow, which reduces fuel consumption and pollution, and increase traffic capacity.

The modern roundabouts being installed along SR 260 will accommodate tractor-trailers and other large vehicles, with a truck apron in the center helping the largest vehicles stay in their lane.

Work is proceeding on modern roundabouts at SR 260 and Thousand Trails Road, Coury Drive, Cherry Creek Road, Horseshoe Bend Drive, Wilshire Road and two locations that will accommodate future development. 

When approaching a roundabout, slow down and yield to traffic inside the intersection. Look left, proceed into the roundabout when there’s a gap in traffic and follow the circle to your exit.

Roundabouts are used elsewhere in the Verde Valley, in the Phoenix metro area and in many other places around Arizona, including US 89 in Page and Cameron, State Route 89 in Prescott and Chino Valley, and US 95 in San Luis. ADOT is building two modern roundabouts at the Araby Road (US 195) interchange with Interstate 8 in Yuma. 

To learn more about roundabouts and how to use them, visit azdot.gov/roundabouts

Completed bridge over Cherry Creek advances SR 260 widening project

Completed bridge over Cherry Creek advances SR 260 widening project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Completed bridge over Cherry Creek advances SR 260 widening project

Completed bridge over Cherry Creek advances SR 260 widening project

February 8, 2018

PHOENIX – As a wider, safer State Route 260 takes shape along 9 miles between Camp Verde and Cottonwood, those traveling this stretch now see a new bridge at Cherry Creek that will carry eastbound traffic.

Arizona Department of Transportation crews in Camp Verde completed the bridge recently as part of a $62 million project that has reached the halfway point and is on track for completion by year’s end.

Last month, crews poured 320 cubic yards of concrete to complete the deck of the new bridge, which has three spans of almost 100 feet each, is 48 feet wide and is about 15 feet above Cherry Creek. It will connect the new eastbound lanes of SR 260 and help carry more traffic.

Crews continue working on the seven new roundabouts that are part of the improvement project, and the new eastbound lanes are being paved from Interstate 17 westward. These new lanes will increase the capacity of the highway and allow for better traffic flow in this growing area of the Verde Valley. The lanes are currently paved up to Coury Drive.

Two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the project. Drivers through the area should slow down and watch for workers and lane shifts in the work zone.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Paving, revamped I-40/I-17 interchange highlight 2018 in northern Arizona

Paving, revamped I-40/I-17 interchange highlight 2018 in northern Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Paving, revamped I-40/I-17 interchange highlight 2018 in northern Arizona

Paving, revamped I-40/I-17 interchange highlight 2018 in northern Arizona

January 22, 2018

PHOENIX – Pavement improvement along Interstates 17 and 40 and a revamped I-17/I-40 interchange in Flagstaff highlight Arizona Department of Transportation projects planned for northern Arizona in 2018.

This spring, crews will return to lay the final layer of asphalt along a 12-mile stretch of Interstate 40 between Parks and Riordan, completing that project. Repaving on I-40 west of Flagstaff will then pick up in Parks at milepost 179 and head 17 miles west to Cataract Lake in Williams.

Northbound Interstate 17 will also receive a facelift this year as crews replace pavement from milepost 312 to milepost 340 near the I-40 interchange. The work will address winter damage the highway has suffered over the years.

In addition to the repaving work, a separate project will continue completely rebuilding 5 miles of I-40 west of Williams between mileposts 156 and 161 in the westbound direction. Crews rebuilt the eastbound lanes last summer.

I-40 will have 34 miles of new pavement in each direction west of Flagstaff when these projects are complete. This new pavement will provide a longer term fix to deterioration resulting from the many freeze-thaw cycles the area sees each winter, along with snow, snowplowing and commercial truck traffic.

Another major project coming to the Flagstaff area this year will improve the I-17/I-40 interchange in Flagstaff by replacing three bridge decks and replacing pavement on the ramps, among other work.

sr-260-project
In the Verde Valley, crews are continuing to widen 9 miles of State Route 260 west of Interstate 17. The project, scheduled to finish before year’s end, is nearly halfway complete with the new eastbound lanes paved up to Coury Drive from I-17. Work is proceeding on seven roundabout intersections between I-17 and Thousand Trails Road.

The $62 million project will improve safety and traffic flow in the growing Verde Valley area.

Among other projects planned for northern Arizona in 2018, crews will return this summer to complete a project widening US 60 in Show Low between State Route 77 and 40th Street. In addition to laying the final layer of asphalt, the work includes completing sidewalks and landscaping.

State Route 260 widening project in Verde Valley nears halfway point

State Route 260 widening project in Verde Valley nears halfway point

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 260 widening project in Verde Valley nears halfway point

State Route 260 widening project in Verde Valley nears halfway point

December 21, 2017

SR 260 project

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation project improving 9 miles of State Route 260 between Interstate 17 and Thousand Trails Road in the Verde Valley is on schedule and 40 percent complete.

Come fall 2018, this stretch of SR 260 will be a divided four-lane highway with seven roundabouts at major intersections, improving traffic flow while increasing capacity and safety.

Crews have installed a temporary traffic signal at Cherry Creek Road that will allow for completion of one roundabout. Work is also underway on roundabouts at Horseshoe Bend Drive, Coury Drive, Thousand Trails Road and two future connections with SR 260.

In addition to roundabout work, crews continue to construct a bridge at Cherry Creek Road. A concrete deck pour for the new bridge is scheduled for early next year.

Pavement has been laid on the new eastbound lanes of SR 260 from I-17 to Coury Drive.

Two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the project. Drivers through the area should slow down and watch for workers and lane shifts in the work zone.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

ADOT completes new roundabout in Camp Verde east of I-17

ADOT completes new roundabout in Camp Verde east of I-17

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT completes new roundabout in Camp Verde east of I-17

ADOT completes new roundabout in Camp Verde east of I-17

June 6, 2017

CAMP VERDE – Visitors and residents can better navigate a busy commercial area in Camp Verde just east of Interstate 17 thanks to a new roundabout installed by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The revamped intersection of State Route 260 and Industrial Drive, an area where many travelers pull over for gasoline, a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, will keep traffic flowing smoothly in all directions, as well as in and out of businesses.

Prior to this project, the area was congested with limited traffic movements making it longer and more difficult for drivers to access businesses.

The $1.3 million project also included new sidewalks on the north side of SR 260 between Cliffs Parkway and Main Street, and on the south side of SR 260 between Seventh Street and Main Street for improved pedestrian mobility.

While the roundabout is open to traffic, crews will be finishing landscaping, electrical work and other minor work over the next few weeks. Crews will also return for final permanent striping later this summer.

For more information on roundabouts and how to use them, visit azdot.gov/roundabouts.

SR 260 improvement project to begin next week near Camp Verde

SR 260 improvement project to begin next week near Camp Verde

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 260 improvement project to begin next week near Camp Verde

SR 260 improvement project to begin next week near Camp Verde

March 1, 2017

PHOENIX – To enhance safety and improve traffic flow in a growing area of the Verde Valley, the Arizona Department of Transportation is set to begin upgrading nine miles of State Route 260 to four-lane divided highway between Camp Verde and Cottonwood west of Interstate 17.

The $62 million project, scheduled to start Monday, March 6, also will create seven roundabout intersections at Thousand Trails Road, Coury Drive, Cherry Creek Road, Horseshoe Bend Drive, Wilshire Road and two locations that will accommodate future development.

The work will pick up from the two miles of divided highway that stretch from the edge of Cottonwood down to Thousand Trails Road and also tie in to the roundabout construction on SR 260 east of I-17 at Industrial Drive, a busy commercial area of Camp Verde.

“Once completed, the project will provide safer and easier travel for local residents and visitors in the Verde Valley region,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District.

Crews will start just west of I-17 at Wilshire Road and will begin dirt excavation. One travel lane in each direction, the current number, will be maintained throughout the project. ADOT will work to keep drivers up to date on any necessary closures or restrictions. 

The project is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months.

Hashknife Pony Express saddles up for a historic ride along state highways

Hashknife Pony Express saddles up for a historic ride along state highways

SR24-1

Hashknife Pony Express saddles up for a historic ride along state highways

Hashknife Pony Express saddles up for a historic ride along state highways

February 7, 2017

By Peter Corbett / ADOT Communications

In an age when most messages get where they're going in a flash, the Hashknife Pony Express endures. This re-enactment has carried the U.S. mail from Holbrook to Scottsdale every winter for nearly 60 years.

We alerted motorists today that they may see these horseback riders along state highways from Wednesday, Feb. 8, to Friday, Feb. 10. The relay route travels along State Route 77, SR 377 and SR 277 to reach the post office in Heber-Overgaard; along SR 260 to reach the post office in Payson; and along SR 87 to reach the post office in Fountain Hills and, finally, the Arizona Canal, where they'll leave state highways and head west toward downtown Scottsdale.

You'll find a schedule and more information on the organizers' website: HashknifePonyExpress.com.

The Pony Express re-enactment, started by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse in 1958, has each Hashknife cowboy galloping for a mile to pass along a mailbag to a fresh horse and rider. Their 200-mile route takes the mailbag from the high chaparral to the Sonoran Desert.

The Pony Express operated for 18 months in 1860-61 from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, before the telegraph made the 10-day, 1,900-mile ride obsolete.

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse, which shared the photo above, grabbed the reins nearly a century later to revive the short-lived Pony Express. The group touts the Hashknife Pony Express as the oldest such ride sanctioned by the U.S. Postal Service.