SR 88

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

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Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

Along State Route 88, water displays its awesome power

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
September 30, 2019

Flooding from the hurricane remnants that lashed Arizona last week, exacerbated by tens of thousands of acres of high desert burned in the Woodbury Fire, caused extensive damage along State Route 88 east of the Valley. As of today, an unpaved stretch of SR 88, also known as Apache Trail, remains closed indefinitely between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake while our engineers assess the roadway and what is required to reopen it. 

One way we're conducting this evaluation is through the use of drones, which provided the footage at right from the area around Fish Creek. 

Our crews have re-established access from Apache Junction to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat, along a paved section of the state highway.

At this time, there is no estimate on when Apache Trail will reopen between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake. Safety is our No. 1 priority. We'll reopen this remote, unpaved stretch when it is safe to do so.

This video provides a window into what we're facing between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake.

Last 9 miles of SR 88 reopens after Woodbury Fire

Last 9 miles of SR 88 reopens after Woodbury Fire

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Last 9 miles of SR 88 reopens after Woodbury Fire

Last 9 miles of SR 88 reopens after Woodbury Fire

August 30, 2019

ADOT News

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has reopened the last stretch of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) that had been closed since the Woodbury Fire burned more than 100,000 acres immediately east of the roadway. This unpaved section lies between milepost 220 east of Tortilla Flat and milepost 229 just west of the turnoff to the Apache Lake marina.

Motorists using SR 88 should be aware of the possibility of severe flooding and debris flows from areas burned in the Woodbury Fire. Daylight travel is recommended.

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.

Seven-mile stretch of SR 88 remains closed due to flooding risk

Seven-mile stretch of SR 88 remains closed due to flooding risk

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Seven-mile stretch of SR 88 remains closed due to flooding risk

Seven-mile stretch of SR 88 remains closed due to flooding risk

July 29, 2019

PHOENIX – Because of the potential for severe flooding from areas burned in the Woodbury Fire, a 7-mile, unpaved section of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) will remain closed from an area several miles east of Tortilla Flat to just west of the Apache Lake marina turnoff while the Arizona Department of Transportation continues assessing conditions.

The Woodbury Fire burned more than 100,000 acres immediately east of and uphill from SR 88. Because runoff and debris flows can be much more intense after a wildfire, conditions are such that flash flooding from monsoon storms could damage SR 88’s stream crossings, posing a threat to those on the highway and to those who may become trapped between areas damaged by flooding.

Changing the closure points to mileposts 222 and 229 restores vehicle access to the Apache Lake Marina at the eastern end and moves the western closure point farther east from Tortilla Flat, which along with Canyon Lake remains accessible from Apache Junction. Apache Lake access roads are accessible by taking State Route 188 from either US 60 or State Route 87 and taking SR 88 west.

In consultation with the U.S. Forest Service, which is in charge of the land beyond SR 88, ADOT will continue evaluating conditions along SR 88 to determine when it is safe to reopen the highway in its entirety.

Throwback Thursday: State Route 88

Throwback Thursday: State Route 88

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Throwback Thursday: State Route 88

Throwback Thursday: State Route 88

June 13, 2019

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications

For many, State Route 88 is a way to get out of the Valley and enjoy at day at Canyon Lake. For some, it's a winding route to adventure.

This curving route, also known as Apache Trail, hides an impressive story and is designated as a historic road. It was one of the original 10 state highways and played a vital role in the completion of Roosevelt Dam and, with it, making it possible for the Phoenix area to grow.

At the turn of the 20th century, Valley residents were looking to better harness the Salt River and cut down on flooding. Some lobbying to Congress resulted in the decision to build a dam at the river’s confluence with Tonto Creek northeast of Mesa.

SR 88 was blazed in 1904 to help carry workers and 1.5 million pounds of freight from Mesa up to the future Roosevelt Dam, which was completed in 1911. The initial cost was a little over a half a million dollars. The road would be partially rerouted a decade later when the Mormon Flat Dam was completed in 1925, forming Canyon Lake. The highway came under the auspices of the Arizona State Highway Department in 1927 and was declared an Arizona Historic Road in 1987.

The highway is still an important route for travelers, which is why last year we spent $6.5 million on a project to improve the road. You can see the results in the video below.

So whether you just want to get to Canyon Lake or see a piece of Arizona history, SR 88 is waiting for you.

VIDEO: Boulder-busting time along State Route 88

VIDEO: Boulder-busting time along State Route 88

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VIDEO: Boulder-busting time along State Route 88

VIDEO: Boulder-busting time along State Route 88

April 3, 2019

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications

Sometimes showing beats telling by a country mile. That's the case with our recent use of a product called Boulder Busters to remove a massive rock that slid down the slope next to State Route 88 east of the Valley.

With words and images, including some shot from a drone, the video above shows how ADOT workers went about removing this boulder in a way that minimized traffic impacts while reducing the potential for damage to the roadway and for more rocks to tumble down the slope.

Improvements make for smoother, safer ride on SR 88

Improvements make for smoother, safer ride on SR 88

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Improvements make for smoother, safer ride on SR 88

Improvements make for smoother, safer ride on SR 88

November 26, 2018

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

Hey weekend warriors, your trips to Canyon Lake and beyond just got nicer on State Route 88, also known as Apache Trail.

We've resurfaced sections, installed rumble strips and replaced old guardrails among $6.5 million of improvements that started last fall. Check out the video above for details.

As we shared recently in announcing completion of this project just east of Apache Junction, drivers still hold the keys to safety.

Because of the terrain it travels through and the date when it was created (to help those building Roosevelt Dam a century ago), Apache Trail is winding and requires a lower speed limit. So slow down, drive alert and ALWAYS designate a sober driver.

The improvements we've made will make for a smoother and safer ride. Now we're trusting you to do your part.

SR 88 (Apache Trail) improvement project completed

SR 88 (Apache Trail) improvement project completed

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 88 (Apache Trail) improvement project completed

SR 88 (Apache Trail) improvement project completed

November 19, 2018

PHOENIX – With a project to resurface the roadway and construct improvements along a 17-mile stretch of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) complete east of the Valley, the keys to safety on this historic, winding roadway remain obeying the speed limit, staying alert and not driving impaired.

 

The Arizona Department of Transportation has finished $6.5 million worth of improvements that include paved vehicle pullouts, adjustments to several curves and replacement of some existing sections of old guardrail.

But these important safety improvements are no substitute for safe driving along a roadway that, due to the area’s topography, has always been designed for lower speeds.

In addition to primary posted speed limits ranging between 25 and 40 mph, drivers should heed slower advisory speed limits on signs and, now, painted on the roadway at points such as curves. Slower advisory speed limits range between 10 and 20 mph.

According to data provided to ADOT by law enforcement agencies, speed too fast for conditions was the most common driver violation in crashes along this stretch of SR 88 in 2017 and the first half of this year. Officers cited speed too fast in 40 percent of crashes. Violations cited in another 20 percent of crashes included failing to keep in the proper lane and driving in the opposing lane, passing in no-passing zones and following too closely.

About one of five crashes involved alcohol or drugs. 

SR 88 is a historic roadway that travels in part within the Tonto National Forest. The Apache Trail’s origin dates back more than 100 years as a route to transport materials, equipment and workers for construction of Roosevelt Dam.

The completed project also installed new raised pavement markers, centerline rumble strips to warn drivers if their vehicle is drifting into an opposing lane, and new signs. Crews also improved the ride along SR 88 by resurfacing the highway starting 3 miles northeast of Apache Junction and extending to 7 miles beyond Tortilla Flat.

Improvements started in fall 2017 and included the removal of several large and potentially unstable boulders above the highway.

For more information about ADOT’s state highway improvement projects visit azdot.gov/projects.

 

SR 88 roundabout opens in growing area of Apache Junction

SR 88 roundabout opens in growing area of Apache Junction

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 88 roundabout opens in growing area of Apache Junction

SR 88 roundabout opens in growing area of Apache Junction

August 21, 2018

PHOENIX – A modern roundabout designed to enhance safety and traffic flow has opened along State Route 88 (Apache Trail) in a growing area of Apache Junction.

An alternative to a traditional intersection using a traffic signal, the modern roundabout completed at SR 88 and Superstition Boulevard is designed to accommodate large vehicles and vehicles with trailers. The center has an inner circle, known as a truck apron, with additional pavement at the edge to allow larger vehicles to easily maneuver within the roundabout.

The $3.3 million Arizona Department of Transportation project, which began in March, also included realigning SR 88 at the interchange, installing lighting, reconstructing turnouts and rerouting Goldfield Wash around the relocated roadway.

Modern roundabouts, which operate without traffic signals, provide a number of safety benefits. They feature just eight conflict points for traffic, 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.

By eliminating wait times at traffic signals, roundabouts enhance traffic flow and capacity while also reducing fuel consumption and pollution.

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 88 intersection in Apache Junction remains closed for roundabout project

SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction remains closed for roundabout project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction remains closed for roundabout project

SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction remains closed for roundabout project

August 8, 2018

Roundabout at SR 88 and Superstition Boulevard

PHOENIX – An Apache Junction intersection along State Route 88 remains closed as the Arizona Department of Transportation constructs a modern roundabout that will enhance safety and increase traffic capacity.

The roundabout at SR 88 (Apache Trail) and Superstition Boulevard is now expected to open before Labor Day.

Signs mark convenient alternate routes. West of the intersection, drivers can go north-south on Idaho Road and east-west on Lost Dutchman Boulevard. East of the intersection, Tomahawk Road can take drivers between US 60 and SR 88.

An alternative to a traditional intersection using a traffic signal, a modern roundabout is designed to accommodate large vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers. The inner circle, known as a truck apron, has additional pavement at the edge that allows larger vehicles to easily maneuver within the roundabout.

The $3.3 million project, which began in March, also includes realigning SR 88 at the interchange, installing lighting, reconstructing turnouts and rerouting Goldfield Wash around the relocated roadway.

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.

Roundabout project is upgrading SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction

Roundabout project is upgrading SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction

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Roundabout project is upgrading SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction

Roundabout project is upgrading SR 88 intersection in Apache Junction

July 9, 2018

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

An ADOT project underway in Apache Junction is going to give residents a modern intersection at State Route 88 and Superstition Boulevard while accommodating weekend warriors heading to and from the Salt River lake system and other points of interest along Apache Trail.

As we shared in a release last week, crews are nearing completion on a modern roundabout designed to accommodate traffic in this growing area safely and efficiently.

Final construction will require a month-long closure now underway at the intersection. There are convenient ways around the closure east and west of the intersection.

Blog-2018-0709-roundabout-map

A modern roundabout can accommodate greater traffic volumes than a regular intersection. It's also designed to accommodate increased traffic, so this intersection will be ready for growth.

Boat trailers and large trucks are no problem. A modern roundabout's inner circle, known as a truck apron, has additional pavement at the edge that allows larger vehicles to easily maneuver.

Visit azdot.gov/Roundabouts to learn more about modern roundabouts and their safety benefits as well as how to navigate them.