SR 87

Work continues on State Route 87 north of Sunflower

Work continues on State Route 87 north of Sunflower

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Work continues on State Route 87 north of Sunflower

Work continues on State Route 87 north of Sunflower

January 22, 2015

PHOENIX — Motorists traveling between Phoenix and Payson on Monday, Jan. 26 are urged to allow extra travel time as northbound traffic will be restricted as part of a safety improvement project on State Route 87 north of Sunflower from mileposts 223 to 229.

From 2 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Jan. 26, northbound SR 87 traffic will be stopped at the work zone and southbound SR 87 will convert to a two-lane roadway as northbound drivers will be guided through the work zone with a the aid of a pilot car. Delays of up to 30 minutes are possible. 

The work, which was originally scheduled for this week, was rescheduled due to material delays.

The $6.2 million safety improvement project, which began in October, approximately seven miles south of the State Route 188 junction, includes the reconstruction of an existing curve at milepost 227, as well as building a new northbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. Runaway truck ramps offer an opportunity for out-of-control trucks, which may have inoperable brakes, to safely exit the highway and come to a controlled stop.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. 

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Delays on State Route 87 north of Sunflower expected

Delays on State Route 87 north of Sunflower expected

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Delays on State Route 87 north of Sunflower expected

Delays on State Route 87 north of Sunflower expected

November 14, 2014

PHOENIX — Motorists who regularly travel between Phoenix and Payson on State Route 87 are urged to plan ahead or allow extra travel time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues to make progress on an improvement project, approximately 10 miles north of Sunflower.

For the next two months, drivers need to be aware of daytime and nighttime restrictions between mileposts 221 and 228, approximately seven miles south of the State Route 188 junction. 

Northbound traffic headed to Payson on SR 87 will be narrowed to one lane and a 10-foot width restriction will be in effect until project completion in mid-May 2015. 

In addition, northbound SR 87 will be closed through the work zone between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday night through Friday mornings for the next two months for slope excavation work. Northbound drivers will be shifted to southbound SR 87, which will become a two-way roadway with one lane in each direction.

Drivers will be guided through the work zone with the aid of a pilot car with delays of up to 30 minutes. 

The $6.2 million safety improvement project, which began last month, includes the reconstruction of an existing curve at milepost 227, as well as building a new northbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. Runaway truck ramps offer an opportunity for out-of-control trucks, which may have inoperable brakes, to safely exit the highway and come to a controlled stop.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

SR 87 improvement project underway

SR 87 improvement project underway

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SR 87 improvement project underway

SR 87 improvement project underway

October 29, 2014

Crews work on a new truck escape ramp.

Today, we’ve got a quick update for you on a project that kicked off earlier this month, south of Payson…

The improvement project started Oct. 7 on a segment of State Route 87, about 10 miles north of Sunflower. Work includes the reconstruction of an existing curve at milepost 227 and the construction of a new southbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. The $6.2 million project also includes slope excavation and reconstruction, drainage improvements, new signage and new concrete barrier installation.

Truck escape ramp

Unless you’re driving a big rig, truck escape ramps probably aren’t something you think about much. If you curious and want to learn how they work, you can check out our previous post on the subject. We’ll have more information on truck escape ramps soon, so stay tuned!

What drivers should know

Drivers need to be aware of periodic daytime and nighttime single-lane restrictions in both directions on SR 87 for the next seven months – minimal delays are expected.

Overnight work hours will be Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. and daytime work hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage.

Drivers should allow additional time to reach their destinations. Be sure to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

This project is scheduled to be complete in mid-May. Visit the project webpage for additional details and traffic alerts.

State Route 87 improvement project begins next week north of Sunflower

State Route 87 improvement project begins next week north of Sunflower

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 87 improvement project begins next week north of Sunflower

State Route 87 improvement project begins next week north of Sunflower

October 3, 2014

PHOENIX — Motorists who regularly travel between Phoenix and Payson on State Route 87 need to plan ahead or allow extra travel time as the Arizona Department of Transportation starts work next week on a safety improvement project, approximately 10 miles north of Sunflower.

Major improvements on the $6.2 million project include the reconstruction of an existing curve at milepost 227, as well as building a new southbound truck escape ramp at milepost 228. Runaway truck ramps offer an opportunity for out-of-control trucks, which may have inoperable brakes, to safely exit the highway and come to a controlled stop.

The project also includes slope excavation and reconstruction, drainage improvements, new signage and new concrete barrier installation.

Work will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and drivers need to be aware of alternating daytime and nighttime single-lane restrictions in both directions on SR 87 through the work zone until the project is completed prior to the start of the busy summer tourism season in Payson. Minimal delays are expected.

Overnight work hours will be Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., and daytime work hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. 

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

State Route 87 resurfacing work will slow traffic south of Sunflower starting Monday (Aug. 4)

State Route 87 resurfacing work will slow traffic south of Sunflower starting Monday (Aug. 4)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Route 87 resurfacing work will slow traffic south of Sunflower starting Monday (Aug. 4)

State Route 87 resurfacing work will slow traffic south of Sunflower starting Monday (Aug. 4)

August 1, 2014

PHOENIX – Pavement improvement work will require lane restrictions along State Route 87 south of Sunflower starting Monday, August 4, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers with plans to use SR 87 between the Phoenix area and Payson are urged to allow extra travel time and to be prepared for slow traffic at times.

Northbound SR 87 will be narrowed to one lane in areas between the Four Peaks Turnoff and Sunflower from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, August 4-7, to allow crews to resurface sections of old pavement between mileposts 206-218.

Southbound restrictions south of Sunflower are scheduled to be in place from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, August 6-7, and continue on Monday and Tuesday, August 11-12.

No work or restrictions will be scheduled in the area on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, August 8-10.

The pavement improvement project's schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather.

For the latest highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT's Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

SR 87 tanker rollover scene cleared, SR 264 reopened after washout

SR 87 tanker rollover scene cleared, SR 264 reopened after washout

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SR 87 tanker rollover scene cleared, SR 264 reopened after washout

SR 87 tanker rollover scene cleared, SR 264 reopened after washout

September 13, 2012

To say that ADOT crews were busy Tuesday would be a bit of an understatement.

Heavy overnight and morning rains across the state started the day off with extremely slow commutes throughout the metro areas … but nothing like the messes that would happen later in the day …

First off, an oil tanker overturned on State Route 87 about 30 miles south of Payson, pouring approximately 2,000 gallons of emulsified asphalt across travel lanes in both directions. As you can see in the video above and the slide show below, the ensuing cleanup efforts were, to quote our own PIO, “a big gooey mess.”

North- and southbound lanes were closed at about 11:30 a.m. as 50+ crew members from three agencies — ADOT, DPS and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality — and the private cleanup company hired by the responsible party (the company that owns the tanker and employs the driver) worked to clear the road and prevent the hazardous materials from spreading into nearby Slate Creek.

Southbound lanes were reopened within a few hours, but cleanup of the northbound lanes between the Saguaro Lake exit and SR 188 continued through the night. All lanes were reopened at about 3 a.m.

On a few positive notes, though … the driver sustained only minor injuries, there were no other vehicles involved in the crash and crews were able to stop the liquid before it reached the creek.

(And, as a side note … the “responsible party” is also responsible for paying for the cleanup efforts. But more about that in a future post dedicated to all-things ADOT HAZMAT related.)

View SR 87 oil tanker rollover photos on Flickr

Elsewhere in the state …

Heavy rains further north caused water to flow over a bluff above SR 264 just east of Tuba City in Navajo County washing out the roadway.

ADOT crews reopened the roadway last night and are still working to complete additional  permanent repairs. As you can see in the slideshow below, the damage was pretty extensive.

SR 264 road and shoulder washout

 … and people think it never rains in Arizona …

Shoe Tree near SR 87 is an Arizona curiosity

Shoe Tree near SR 87 is an Arizona curiosity

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Shoe Tree near SR 87 is an Arizona curiosity

Shoe Tree near SR 87 is an Arizona curiosity

July 24, 2012

This "Shoe Tree" off of State Route 87 has us puzzled!

The “mystery tree” on I-17 still has us baffled, so imagine our bewilderment upon seeing these photos of a shoe tree off of State Route 87, south of Payson.

That’s right – there’s a literal shoe tree just sitting alongside the road!

And, our Arizona shoe tree isn’t the only one, at least according to roadsideamerica.com – a site devoted to the oddities found along America’s highways.

There are shoe trees all across the country … who knew?

So, are we the only ones who have never heard of, or seen a shoe tree before? Have you come across the Arizona shoe tree?

shoe-tree-closeup

This shoe tree is off SR 87, south 
of Payson near milepost 223.

Maybe you’ve thrown a pair of your own sneakers up on those branches?

Let us know in the blog comments or on our Facebook page … and, while you’re at it, tell us about any of your favorite Arizona roadside curiosities.

Editor’s Note: The Arizona Department of Transportation will remove any object within the ADOT right of way that presents a hazard. ADOT reminds drivers that highway shoulders are for emergencies only, and parking on them for any other reason is hazardous.

ADOT takes a look back at 2011

ADOT takes a look back at 2011

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ADOT takes a look back at 2011

ADOT takes a look back at 2011

January 3, 2012

2011's accomplishments include several projects.

The new year officially is here, but before we dive into 2012 we’re going to take a quick look back.

ADOT’s Public Information/Media Relations team came up with a great list of the state’s major transportation accomplishments from 2011 and we thought we’d share it here on the blog!

From new freeway openings to the approval of ADOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan, here's a look at some of the highlights …

Phoenix Area Freeways:

Loop 303 Opens

ADOT widened major stretches of Phoenix area freeways in 2011 and opened the first new segment of freeway to be built under the Maricopa Association of Government’s 20-year Regional Transportation Plan. Fourteen miles of Loop 303 were opened in May between Interstate 17 and Happy Valley Parkway in Peoria, allowing drivers for the first time to use Loop 303 to make the 39-mile trip between I-17 and I-10.

HOV Lane Additions

Drivers benefited from two accelerated projects to add High Occupancy Vehicle lanes along Loops 101 and 202. The final 30 miles of HOV lanes along Loop 101 between State Route 51 in north Phoenix and I-10 in Tolleson were opened in stages during the year and completed in November. Meanwhile, in the Chandler area, 12 miles of carpool lanes were completed this fall along Loop 202 Santan Freeway between I-10 and Gilbert Road.

I-10 Widening in West Valley

Another significant milestone was marked in August with the completion of ADOT’s three-year initiative to reconstruct and widen I-10 between Loop 101 and Verrado Way. Those projects modernized I-10, transforming what had been a limited highway with two lanes in each direction into a modern freeway that now provides as many as five lanes in each direction – including carpool lanes.

State Highway System:

Mescal Road/J-Six Ranch Road Bridge

Just over six months after a fiery crash damaged the Mescal Road/J-Six Ranch Road bridge, ADOT swiftly rebuilt the bridge to reconnect the Cochise County communities of Mescal and J-Six Ranch, which were separated by I-10 and depend on the overpass for convenient access to goods, services and neighbors. While the bridge was out of service, residents and workers in the Benson-area communities were required to take lengthy detours around I-10 to reach the other side of the highway. Federal Highway Administration emergency relief funds, a shortened time frame for designing the replacement bridge and a quick construction bid process all helped put the project on the fast track. A typical bridge construction project can take up to two years.

State Route 260 Widening

Continuing a decade-long commitment to expand the capacity of SR 260, ADOT completed a project to widen the highway starting 15 miles east of Payson from Little Green Valley to Thompson Draw. The $20 million project is the fourth of six projects to construct a four-lane divided highway from Star Valley to the top of the Mogollon Rim.

State Route 87 Improvements

ADOT fulfilled its commitment to complete SR 87 improvements before the Memorial Day weekend and in time for the busy tourism season in the Rim Country. The $11.8 million reconstruction and widening project included the addition of a third southbound lane to enhance safety and traffic flow along the uphill stretch during drives between Payson and the Phoenix area. The improvements were the latest in a series of projects during the last two decades to enhance travel on SR 87, which is now a divided four-lane highway between Mesa and Payson.

US 93 Widening Project

Shortly after ADOT completed a $71.3 million widening project on the US 93 approach to the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge in 2010, the first Desert Bighorn Sheep were spotted in February using one of the three wildlife crossings that were constructed to protect motorists and provide a safe crossing for the native animals. The project earned ADOT several honors this year, including the Arizona Chapter American Public Works Association Award, 2011 Public Works Project of the Year and FHWA’s 2011 Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative Award for the agency’s creative and innovative solution to balance motorists’ safety, while protecting wildlife and connecting ecosystems.

Hassayampa River Bridge Project

Just in time for the Fourth of July weekend, ADOT completed a $3.9 million bridge project over the Hassayampa River on I-10, approximately 40 miles west of downtown Phoenix. This area is a major route for travelers heading to and from California along I-10.

Overnight Bridge Demolition

On a late April night in southern Arizona, ADOT tore down two bridges in 10 hours – no small task. ADOT had already planned to remove the old Marsh Station bridge, which required a 67-mile overnight detour for motorists on I-10 east of Tucson. About three weeks before the demolition was set to occur, two semi trucks collided under the overpass at the Mescal Road/J-Six Ranch Road bridge. The bridge was badly damaged from the resulting fire and would have to be replaced.

Planning and Programming:

Long Range Transportation Plan

For more than two years, ADOT worked toward developing the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, a blueprint that looks 25 years into the future to determine how to plan for and fund transportation projects that keep up with Arizona’s needs. The State Transportation Board formally approved the Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as What Moves You Arizona, in November, allowing ADOT planners to move ahead with their work to develop a transportation system that will carry Arizona into the future. The award-winning program was nationally recognized for planning and involving the public.

Intercity Rail Study

In October, ADOT kicked off the public outreach phase of its intercity rail study. The study’s goal is to identify if there is a need for intercity rail along I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Over the course of a month, ADOT gathered information, data and comments. The agency will provide its findings to the public and to policymakers, so they can make an informed decision about how to move forward. ADOT is looking at all options, which include rail, transit—and the option to build nothing at all. The study will be complete in 2013.

Bicycle Safety Action Plan

As part of our public safety plan, ADOT is developing a Bicycle Safety Action Plan to help keep cyclists safe on Arizona’s highways. The goal is to reduce the number of bicycle crashes with motor vehicles and improve safety for both cyclists and drivers.  The goal of the Bicycle Safety Action Plan is to reduce the total number of bicycle crashes on Arizona highways by 12 percent by 2018.

Safe Routes to School

This year, nearly $3.5 million in grant funding was distributed by ADOT for 21 Safe Routes to School projects for schools and communities statewide. Eight of these projects, totaling $2.8 million, were designated for infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, signage and striping. An additional 13 projects, totaling $720,000, went toward non-infrastructure elements, such as providing bike helmets to students, safety education and law enforcement. All Safe Routes to School projects are designed to get kids walking or biking and adopt healthy habits.

Motor Vehicle Division and Enforcement and Compliance Division:

Motor Vehicle Division

MVD continued to improve the quality of customer service at MVD offices by shortening the wait times for the more common motor vehicle and driver license transactions, while serving over 3.5 million customers at MVD’s 54 offices or satellite/specialized offices in 2011 The average wait time per transaction was approximately 19 minutes, compared to over 45 minutes just five years ago. Throughout the year, MVD also provided transaction assistance to returning soldiers with the U.S. Army Intelligence Command at Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona. ADOT also launched several new specialty license plates, including the long-awaited Arizona Centennial plate.

Enforcement and Compliance Division

ADOT officers conducted Operation Bullhead, joint-agency commercial vehicle enforcement operation in Mohave County at the request of Bullhead City officials. ADOT officers recovered stolen vehicles identified during inspections. The enforcement division also created a Single Trip Overweight International Border Permit program for produce transporters out of Mexico and assisted local law enforcement with scrap metal yard investigations.

Other Accomplishments:

Grand Canyon National Park Airport

In June, the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, owned and operated by ADOT, began daily 737 airline service from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Travelers can now book a flight on Vision Airlines out of Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. The new service is the first step in a larger vision to make it easier for all tourists to visit the canyon. The Transportation Security Administration was also stationed at the airport this year, making it easier for airline companies to fly into the airport, since they no longer have to provide their own passenger screening.

Winter weather suspends northern projects for the season

Winter weather suspends northern projects for the season

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Winter weather suspends northern projects for the season

Winter weather suspends northern projects for the season

December 7, 2011

Snowy conditions from up north earlier this year.

The official start of winter is approaching, but the cold weather is already here!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve told you how ADOT prepares for the snowy conditions common this time of year in Arizona’s high country.

Getting the snowplows ready, along with plenty of deicer ready, along with closing down certain low-traffic/heavy snow routes are vital steps, but there’s an additional action ADOT takes each year as the temperatures start to dip …

Every winter ADOT has to suspend work on projects in the state’s high country. This is necessary because it is too cold to pour concrete or place asphalt pavement (rubberized asphalt is especially sensitive to temperature variations).

But that doesn’t mean our crews just drop what they’re doing!

Work is stopped at a logical point and the work zone is generally left in a condition that doesn’t impede traffic. Drivers may notice some barricades and should be aware as they’re driving through project sites.

And as for the actual crews…ADOT workers who manage or inspect the projects either switch gears to next-year’s planning or are reassigned to maintenance for the season.

Here’s a list of projects that have either already been suspended for the winter, or will be stopped in the next week or so:

  • SR 64 roadway and streetscape improvements in Tusayan
  • I-17 Munds Park traffic interchange
  • US 93 repaving north of Kingman (top layer of rubberized asphalt will be finished in the spring)
  • US 93 repaving south of Wikieup
  • SR 260 passing lanes between Overgaard and Show Low
  • US 60 repaving between Springerville and the New Mexico state line
  • I-40 repaving through Holbrook
  • SR 87 repaving north of I-40
Work on other projects, such as the widening of SR 260, 20 miles east of Payson, continues because the current stage involves blasting and excavating, which can be done in cold weather.

 

For tools, maps and other information designed to assist you this season, check out ADOT’s Know Snow Web page. You also can stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions by visiting the ADOT Traveler Information Center, or by calling 511.

Thousands of tumbling tumbleweeds roll into wash

Thousands of tumbling tumbleweeds roll into wash

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Thousands of tumbling tumbleweeds roll into wash

Thousands of tumbling tumbleweeds roll into wash

August 23, 2011

Tumbleweeds on SR 87

An ADOT Highway Operations Supervisor came across a sight Monday morning that he’s never seen before …

As he was driving by Jeddito Wash on SR 87, Elliott Koinva noticed that thousands of tumbleweeds had clustered together to form a kind of solid wall.

“The wash is about 15 feet deep and about 20 feet wide,” Koinva said. “The whole wash was filled with tumbleweeds.”

He suspects an overnight storm north of the wash must have carried the tumbleweeds down. There were so many tumbleweeds that a box culvert got clogged and some flooding occurred.

Although there normally are a lot of tumbleweeds in this area, near Second Mesa, Monday morning’s occurrence was something extraordinary.

“This was the first time this has happened,” Koinva said. “I was surprised.”

ADOT’s Holbrook District Superintendent Lindy Sherrer says ADOT crews will use pitch forks to start clearing out the box culvert. Because the area’s flooded, machinery won’t be used until some of the water drains away.