SR 69

SR 69 project will increase capacity, enhance safety in Prescott

SR 69 project will increase capacity, enhance safety in Prescott

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 69 project will increase capacity, enhance safety in Prescott

SR 69 project will increase capacity, enhance safety in Prescott

July 3, 2024

ADOT is widening a mile highway, adding raised center median

PRESCOTT – Work is scheduled to get underway next week on a project that will widen one mile of State Route 69 in Prescott, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

ADOT, in partnership with the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization, is constructing a third travel lane in each direction and a raised center median between Prescott Lakes Parkway and Frontier Village (mileposts 294-295).

The $9.8 million project will also install a raised center median between Yavpe Connector and Heather Heights near the junction with SR 89.

This project, which is expected to take approximately nine months to complete, also will:

  • construct curbs and gutters;
  • install new pipe culverts and storm drains;
  • remove and install a traffic signal; and
  • install signage and striping.

When construction gets underway on Monday, July 8, work will initially occur along the shoulders during the day with minimal impacts to the traveling public. Two travel lanes will be maintained during daytime hours. In addition, SR 69 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction between Prescott Lakes Parkway and Heather Heights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday evenings through Thursday mornings. 

Business access will be maintained throughout the project, though there may be brief restrictions when work takes place in front of driveways and side streets. There will be no restrictions on weekends and state holidays. 

To learn more about this project and to subscribe for updates, please visit azdot.gov/SR69widening.


 

ADOT to repave 3 miles of SR 69 in Prescott Valley

ADOT to repave 3 miles of SR 69 in Prescott Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to repave 3 miles of SR 69 in Prescott Valley

ADOT to repave 3 miles of SR 69 in Prescott Valley

April 18, 2023

Improvements will take place between Truwood, Stonebridge drives

PRESCOTT VALLEY  – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a project this spring to replace three miles of pavement on State Route 69 in Prescott Valley.

The $4 million project will involve replacing the top layer of pavement between Truwood and Stoneridge drives, from mileposts 287-290. The work will include updating sidewalk ramps and replacing damaged sidewalk segments.

Work is scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 19, and continue through fall 2023.

To reduce the impact to drivers, all work will take place overnight between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday evenings through Friday mornings. At least one lane of traffic will be open in each direction during paving operations. Also, ADOT will maintain access to all businesses in the area. 

For more information, please visit the project page.

ADOT activating new traffic signal at SR 69 and Spring Lane this week

ADOT activating new traffic signal at SR 69 and Spring Lane this week

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT activating new traffic signal at SR 69 and Spring Lane this week

ADOT activating new traffic signal at SR 69 and Spring Lane this week

August 17, 2021

PRESCOTT – A new traffic signal along State Route 69 near Cordes Junction will be activated this week after the Arizona Department of Transportation finishes up a project to improve safety at the intersection with Spring Lane.

Those finishing touches require lane restrictions on SR 69 between mileposts 264 and 265 Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

The new traffic signal is set to be activated by the morning of Friday, Aug. 20.

In addition to a new signal, the $560,000 project consisted of an additional left-turn lane from Spring Lane, an advanced radar detection system and intersection lighting. A median ditch was also installed to eliminate left turns into nearby Mayer High School from SR 69 and Wildcat Way. 

The project began in November 2020, but was temporarily put on hold due to a delay in shipping manufacturer parts.

For more information on the project, please visit azdot.gov/SR69SpringLane.

Virtual public meeting postponed for SR 69 widening project

Virtual public meeting postponed for SR 69 widening project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Virtual public meeting postponed for SR 69 widening project

Virtual public meeting postponed for SR 69 widening project

May 15, 2020

PHOENIX – In order to provide the most current information on the upcoming State Route 69 widening project between Prescott Lake Parkway and Frontier Village, the Arizona Department of Transportation has postponed a virtual public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20.

With a revised tentative Five-Year Construction Program before the State Transportation Board for their consideration and approval, ADOT decided to postpone the public information meeting until after June, when the board will approve a final version of the Five-Year Program.

The meeting will be rescheduled for a later date.

The virtual public meeting was scheduled to air several times over the next couple of months on the city’s public access station, Channel 64, the Prescott Media Center.

SR 69 improvements in Prescott Valley will boost safety, traffic flow

SR 69 improvements in Prescott Valley will boost safety, traffic flow

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 69 improvements in Prescott Valley will boost safety, traffic flow

SR 69 improvements in Prescott Valley will boost safety, traffic flow

April 16, 2020

PHOENIX – To enhance safety and accommodate growth in Prescott Valley, the Arizona Department of Transportation will make improvements along 2.2 miles of State Route 69 between Navajo Drive and Enterprise Parkway. 

Starting Monday, April 20, crews will begin constructing a raised median along the corridor. The project also includes initial work for a future traffic signal at Mendecino Drive and future improvements at Truwood Drive, both of which intersect with SR 69 in this stretch.

“This project will continue the agency’s work to smooth traffic flow in a growing area such as central Yavapai County,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District. “In recent years, we have adjusted the traffic signal timing, which cut down on travel times through the corridor, and now we look to build on that with this safety project.”

Drivers should plan for lane restrictions from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. All lanes will be open during daytime and weekend hours and holidays.

Raised medians have been shown to reduce crashes by up to 40 percent in urban areas according to an analysis by the Federal Highway Administration.

The traffic signal at Mendecino Drive will be completed in a future project.

Busy year ahead for highway projects in northern Arizona

Busy year ahead for highway projects in northern Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Busy year ahead for highway projects in northern Arizona

Busy year ahead for highway projects in northern Arizona

January 23, 2019

PHOENIX – This year will be filled with highway system improvements for northern Arizona travelers, including the start of the latest Arizona Department of Transportation project expanding US 93 to four-lane divided highway between Wickenburg and Interstate 40.

Crews will soon launch a $35.5 million project on nearly 4 miles of US 93 just north of Wikieup, between Carrow and Stephens, connecting two sections of highway that have already been divided. That will provide a continuous stretch of divided four-lane highway from milepost 108, about 15 miles south of I-40, and milepost 121 near Wikieup.

With an eye toward an Interstate 11, ADOT has invested more than half a billion dollars over the past 20 years to turn the primary route between Phoenix and Las Vegas into modern four-lane divided highway. The upcoming project is part of $155 million in US 93 improvements planned over the next five years.

Currently all but 39 miles of the 200-mile drive from Wickenburg to the Nevada state line has been upgraded to a four-lane divided highway to improve traffic flow, support the movement of freight and enhance safety through this heavily traveled area. The entire northern segment of US 93 from Kingman to the Nevada state line (mileposts 1 to 68) is now a four-lane divided highway following the completion of a $71 million project in 2010.

Meanwhile, paving projects to repair long-term winter weather damage will continue in the Flagstaff area, with crews finishing paving along northbound I-17 from milepost 312 to the I-40 interchange and along the 17-mile stretch of I-40 between Cataract Lake and Parks west of Flagstaff.

Last year, crews rebuilt about 20 miles of highway in northern Arizona, providing a long-term fix to damage from freeze-thaw cycles and heavy traffic. In all, ADOT has improved or is in the process of improving 62 miles of interstate freeway in the Flagstaff area.

This spring, ADOT will launch a project to repave 13 miles of State Route 89A from Sedona to the Pumphouse Wash bridge between mileposts 374 and 387. The project will also install new guardrail.

In far northwestern Arizona, the decks of three Virgin River bridges along Interstate 15 will get makeovers starting early this year. Bridge Nos. 2 and 5 will get newly resurfaced decks. Bridge No. 4 will received a brand new deck.

For more information on these projects, please visit azdot.gov/projects.

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

June 30, 2017

PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511. 

Traffic signal upgrades smooth travel along SR 69 in Prescott Valley

Traffic signal upgrades smooth travel along SR 69 in Prescott Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Traffic signal upgrades smooth travel along SR 69 in Prescott Valley

Traffic signal upgrades smooth travel along SR 69 in Prescott Valley

June 22, 2017

PRESCOTT VALLEY – While traffic has increased with growth, the Arizona Department of Transportation is smoothing the journey along State Route 69 through Prescott Valley using the latest in traffic-management technology.

New communication hardware installed in traffic signals along the three miles from Navajo Drive to Sundog Ranch Road allows engineers to monitor traffic conditions from afar, make adjustments to signal timing that improve traffic flow, and diagnose and correct problems. The signals automatically adjust timing at certain times of the day based on anticipated traffic.

The result: Travel time on this stretch of SR 69 has improved by as much as 40 percent.

“These new, coordinated signals move traffic more efficiently and give us more direct control than we’ve had before,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District. “This benefits local residents as well as visitors to the area.”

remote-connection
Other traffic signal features include new systems for detecting traffic and LED lights that increase nighttime visibility while using less electricity.

Later this year, ADOT plans to make these same improvements to SR 69 traffic signals from Sundog Ranch Road west to the SR 69/SR 89 interchange in Prescott.

These changes are being made through ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) division. While many of ADOT’s signals in the Phoenix metro area currently have remote access, the agency is bringing that technology to other regions of the state.

“As traffic demands increase due to growth, ADOT will continue to respond with different solutions to help drivers get where they need to go,” Stump said.

ADOT Transportation Systems Management & Operations brings together traffic-engineering resources around the state to maximize resources, technology and expertise. This includes collaborating with other transportation and public safety agencies.

New I-17 ‘flyover’ bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

New I-17 ‘flyover’ bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

New I-17 ‘flyover’ bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

New I-17 ‘flyover’ bridge opens to traffic, to improve traffic flow

December 21, 2012

Just in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays, ADOT has completed the new Cordes Junction ‘flyover’ bridge, which is now open to traffic!

This new overpass lifts northbound I-17 traffic headed to the Prescott area over the highway and connects directly to northbound SR 69.

The busy Cordes Junction traffic interchange sits right between Flagstaff and Phoenix. Because it was built nearly 50 years ago – when traffic volumes were not nearly as large what they are today – ADOT has been working to remake it into an updated, modern interchange. When completed, the new design will make it easier for drivers to connect to other northern communities, including Prescott, while improving traffic flow and safety.

A major accomplishment
A big component of the $50 million project was the completion of the new flyover bridge. Due to the outdated design of the previous interchange, slower local traffic destined for the businesses and residences in the Cordes Lakes area, were forced to mix with the high speed traffic at this busy interchange, which serves over 40,000 vehicles per day.

“Completing the new flyover bridge is a major milestone on this Cordes Junction traffic interchange reconstruction project,” said Prescott District Engineer Alvin Stump. “The interchange was built almost 50 years ago when traffic volumes were much lower and it mixes local and through traffic, resulting in congestion and delays. This updated interchange will not only be able to handle the future growth in this area, but also make it safer for all drivers.”

More on the project
After beginning construction in August 2011, ADOT is entering the final stages after having completed over 80 percent of the project. ADOT is on target to complete the project as scheduled by June 2013.

The remaining major work yet to be completed includes opening the new southbound Big Bug Bridge and east roundabout near the McDonalds restaurant, and repaving I-17 and SR 69.

Improvements to the interchange will increase accessibility to local businesses, provide more efficient traffic movements for those traveling through the area, and prepare for future traffic demands. The project includes seven new bridges, three local roads (Copper Star Road, Arcosanti Road, Stagecoach Trail), installation of two roundabouts, as well as improvements to local storm water drainage.

Progress on new I-17/Cordes Junction interchange continues

Progress on new I-17/Cordes Junction interchange continues

Progress on new I-17/Cordes Junction interchange continues

Progress on new I-17/Cordes Junction interchange continues

February 28, 2012

Just last month we blogged about a project that’s under way on I-17 and SR 69 in Cordes Junction.

So, maybe you’re wondering why we’re bringing it up again so soon …

Well, we’re blogging about it today because we’ve got an awesome new video (see above) that details the entire project and shows footage from January when crews installed some precast girders – a milestone in the construction.

When all the work is complete – around summer 2013 – motorists are going to have a much easier time maneuvering the interchange that sits halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff. That’s because the project includes:

  • New bridges on SR 69
  • The removal of the outdated on- and off-ramps
  • A new I-17 interchange
  • Two new bridges and ramps built over I-17 to connect with SR 69
  • The construction of a new Arcosanti Road, along with the realignment of Copper Star Road and Stagecoach Trail.

“I think this is going to be a major center for the folks around here and also for the state of Arizona,” Cordes Junction business owner Jerry Schultz says in the video above.