State Transportation Board

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repair

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repair

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repair

Governor Hobbs joins ADOT in announcing $50.5 million investment in road repair

April 24, 2023

More lasting repairs underway, funds reallocated for paving projects

As warming weather allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin more permanent repairs to highways after a rough winter, the agency is reallocating $50.5 million to replace deteriorating pavement surfaces within 23 locations, most of them in northern Arizona. Funding for the pavement repair work comes from savings on other projects. 

The State Transportation Board on Friday approved ADOT’s plan to address severe roadway deterioration on segments of I-40, I-17, I-10, US 60, SR 260 and SR 77. ADOT plans to recommend $40 million for similar projects in the agency’s 2024-2029 Five-Year Construction Program.

"I'm proud to announce an over $50 million investment in fixing our roads," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money we need to protect our highways and ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans. Snow and rain this winter exposed the lack of upkeep and I'm grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these critical investments."

The projects, which ADOT plans to begin as soon as possible, are in areas where pavement was already stressed in recent years due to age and use. The snow and rain during the record-setting winter created ideal conditions for potholes and other road surface damage in these highway stretches.  

“ADOT’s goal is to deliver the safest and most reliable highway system possible with the funding we have to make improvements around the state,” ADOT State Engineer Greg Byres said. “We know these projects to improve pavement conditions are much-needed, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.”

Depending on the project, work is expected to begin from mid-May into June. These projects will consist of removing and replacing damaged surface pavement in locations within these highway stretches:

I-40

  • both directions between Needle Mountain Road and SR 95 (MP 2-9)
  • eastbound between US 93 and Silver Springs Road (MP 72-79)
  • eastbound between Willow Ranch and Fort Rock roads (MP 88-92)
  • westbound between Cross Mountain and Willow Ranch roads (MP 95-89) 
  • eastbound between Fort Rock Road and Seligman (MP 92-123)
  • both directions between Seligman and Ash Fork (MP 123-146)
  • both directions between the Riordan Bridge and I-17 (MP 190-195)
  • both directions between Walnut Canyon and Townsend-Winona roads (MP 204-211)
  • both directions between SR 99 and Tucker Flat Wash (MP 242-249)
  • both directions between Pinta and McCarrell roads (MP 319.1-330.55)

I-17 

  • both directions between Sunset Point and SR 69 (MP 251-263)
  • both directions between SR 69 and SR 169 (MP 266-278)
  • northbound between SR 169 and 1 mile north of SR 179 (MP 280-300)
  • southbound between Middle Verde Road and SR 169 (MP 290-280)
  • both directions between SR 179 and the Scenic Overlook (MP 300-310)

I-10

  • both directions between US 191 and New Mexico line (MP 350-391)

SR 260

  • both directions between Rim Road and Heber (MP 282-302)
  • both directions between Knottingham Lane and fire station (MP 347.1-349.3)
  • both directions between Penrod Lane and Buck Springs Road (MP 354.1-354.4)

US 60

  • both directions between Wickenburg and SR 74 (MP 110-120)
  • both directions between Seneca and Salt River Bridge (MP 288-293)
  • both directions between Vernon and Cerro Montoso (MP 363.5-367.2)

SR 77

  • both directions between Dripping Springs and El Capitan (MP 154-163)

These projects are in addition to pavement repairs that continue in many areas. To address the recent issues, ADOT crews first applied temporary patches and now, with warmer weather, are beginning the more permanent repairs. These repairs often involve patching material or milled and recycled pavement and a heavy-compaction roller to fill in potholes or areas of pavement. 

ADOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and give workers plenty of space.

The repairs planned for I-17 complement a $35 million paving project that’s resuming this week after winter hiatus. Alongside shorter-term pavement repairs, this project will help address rough conditions on 29 miles of southbound Interstate 17 near Flagstaff. 

 

The roles and responsibilities of the Arizona State Transportation Board

The roles and responsibilities of the Arizona State Transportation Board

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The roles and responsibilities of the Arizona State Transportation Board

The roles and responsibilities of the Arizona State Transportation Board

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director
January 26, 2022

I would like to thank Steve Stratton for his year of service as chair of the State Transportation Board in 2021 and welcome incoming Chairman Jesse Thompson. I look forward to working alongside you and the board in 2022.

While I am responsible for leading the Arizona Department of Transportation, there is a seven-member board which serves as advisors to me and to the general public. It is the State Transportation Board and I would like to provide some insight as to the roles and responsibilities of the Board.

Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Arizona State Senate. They serve six-year terms which are staggered. The state of Arizona is divided into six districts. Maricopa County serves as one district and has two members on the Board. Pima County serves as one district and has one member on the Board. The rest of the counties make up the remaining four districts with at least three counties in each district. When a board member’s term expires, a new member is appointed from the same district, based on a rotation schedule among the counties in that district. For example, District 3 is made up of Cochise, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties. When there was a vacancy on the Board from that district last year, Cochise County was responsible for submitting names to the governor’s office for consideration.

The Arizona State Transportation Board is responsible for establishing a complete system of state highway routes. The Board awards construction contracts, monitors the status of construction projects and has the exclusive authority to issue revenue bonds for transportation funding. The Board is granted its policy powers by the governor.

Before the pandemic, the Board traveled extensively throughout the state, holding its monthly meeting at a new location. I’m not aware of another state board that traveled as much as the State Transportation Board. Currently, the Board is using a hybrid-approach when it comes to its monthly meetings, allowing the public to appear in person or virtually and following all health and safety protocols.

The Board follows open meeting laws, and provides the public the opportunity to comment on projects and weigh-in where our finite resources should be spent in the state. I consider public involvement a key component in determining how best to meet the needs of our customers. I value the role the State Transportation Board performs as trusted advisers to me and my team at ADOT. They represent the “voice of the customer.”

The Board also holds periodic study sessions to learn more about a particular subject or issue. These study sessions also follow open meeting laws.

I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about the Board, meet the current members and sign up to receive meeting notices. 

I would also like to recognize and thank all of our past board members who have served. Your dedication to serving the people of Arizona is appreciated. 

Governor appoints two new members to State Transportation Board

Governor appoints two new members to State Transportation Board

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor appoints two new members to State Transportation Board

Governor appoints two new members to State Transportation Board

March 6, 2020

PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Jenn Daniels, the mayor of Gilbert, and Richard Searle, a longtime Cochise County leader from the community of Pearce, to serve on the State Transportation Board.

Upon confirmation by the state Senate, Daniels will represent the Maricopa County region, while Searle will represent Cochise, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties.

The State Transportation Board’s seven members serve six-year-terms, prioritizing transportation needs, projects and funding on behalf of communities throughout Arizona.

Daniels has served as the mayor of Gilbert since 2016 and has been on the Town Council since 2009. She has served on regional boards including the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council and was chair of MAG’s Transportation Policy Committee. Daniels has also served on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and League of Cities and Towns Executive Committee.

“Solutions to today’s transportation challenges will require creative and forward-thinking ideas and plans, advocates, collaboration and a commitment to future generations,” Daniels said. “I am committed to keeping fiscal responsibility and integrity at the forefront of everything we do.”

Searle has been engaged in transportation issues through his service on the Cochise County Board of Supervisors from 2005-2016. He represented the county in transportation planning roles at the city, county and state level. He also developed transportation policies for Cochise County to improve road maintenance. He has been a member of various organizations including the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, American Pistachio Growers Association, Western Bank and the Cochise County Farm Bureau.

“I appreciate the opportunity to represent Southeastern Arizona on the Transportation Board and am honored by the appointment,” Searle said. “Priorities would include not only making sure transportation issues in Cochise, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz Counties are addressed but also helping ADOT deal timely and efficiently with the challenges statewide. I look forward to learning how I can be a part of making long-lasting changes that improve how we handle transportation in Arizona.”

About the State Transportation Board

The seven-member State Transportation Board has policy powers and duties, in addition to advising the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. Members of the board are appointed by the governor and serve six-year terms. The board has broad authority to plan and develop Arizona’s highways, airports and other state transportation facilities. In addition to these general policy duties, the board is responsible for development and oversight of the state’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. More information on the State Transportation Board is available at aztransportationboard.gov

Why SR 189 improvements, truck safety training in Mexico make a difference for all

Why SR 189 improvements, truck safety training in Mexico make a difference for all

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Why SR 189 improvements, truck safety training in Mexico make a difference for all

Why SR 189 improvements, truck safety training in Mexico make a difference for all

June 21, 2018

Trucks

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

Last week, the Arizona State Transportation Board approved $134 million in funding for building all of the planned improvements to State Route 189 in Nogales. SR 189 is a vital road for international commerce because it connects the Mariposa Port of Entry with Interstate 19 and is a 3.75-mile first step in distributing of products and produce across the U.S.

The same week, ADOT officers who perform commercial vehicle safety inspections went to Ensenada, Mexico, for their 14th safety cross-border training program. In the past 11 months, ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division has trained 381 truck drivers and mechanics from Mexico about U.S. safety requirements. Those drivers have made a combined 4,746 trips across the international border and have been stopped only 11 times – one-quarter of 1 percent – for serious safety violations.

Together, those two efforts mean commercial trucks are spending less time crossing the border and will spend less time navigating the start of their journey. Here’s why that matters not only to commercial truckers but to everyone in Arizona and across the U.S.

Rafael Aldrete, director of the Center for International Intelligent Transportation Research at Texas A&M University, wrote recently in The Dallas Morning News that inefficiency at the border extends "like sound waves" across vast distances and in unanticipated ways.

“Those issues can influence the cost of a television sold in Amarillo. They can determine how quickly a computer can be assembled and made available for sale in Dallas. They can affect commutes on interstate highways nationwide. And they dictate when fresh produce can be delivered and how much it will cost," he wrote.

"Traffic delays at the border can even be the decision point for where companies – especially those dependent on just-in-time delivery, like automobile or high-end electronics manufacturing – choose to open facilities, affecting economic development and employment opportunities in that community and statewide."

ADOT is doing more to reduce border wait times for commercial vehicles. Sonoran drivers have used a smartphone application, WhatsApp, 112 times since last August to check safety protocols with inspectors before approaching the border. A safety training program on the Arizona side of the border has trained another 1,521 commercial truckers in half-day safety presentations in Nogales, Douglas and San Luis.

Ultimately shorter wait times for shippers translate, in many cases, to reduced prices for consumers, Aldrete wrote.

"America's economic success depends significantly on transportation, and transportation is heavily impacted by each U.S.-Mexico port of entry – critical links that create and sustain jobs and supply the affordable goods relied upon by businesses and families across the nation," he said.

State Transportation Board approves 2019-2023 Five-Year Construction Program

State Transportation Board approves 2019-2023 Five-Year Construction Program

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Transportation Board approves 2019-2023 Five-Year Construction Program

State Transportation Board approves 2019-2023 Five-Year Construction Program

June 15, 2018

PHOENIX – A major freight corridor in southern Arizona that moves trucks to and from Mexico for produce and other goods will undergo a full build-out of improvements over the next few years now that the State Transportation Board formally approved the funding for the project.

The board approved the two planned construction phases for State Route 189 at its meeting in Globe on Friday, June 15. Other major expansion projects along key commerce corridors including Interstate 17 and US 93, along with State Route 260, were also approved as part of the annual update to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program.

The 2019-2023 Five-Year Program includes projects in Greater Arizona and the Maricopa County and Pima County regions. Today’s final approval of the program followed a three-month comment period allowing the public and agencies to provide feedback.

“ADOT’s mission is to provide reliable infrastructure to help move people, goods and services, generate commerce and economic activity, and connect major freight and travel corridors,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This annual process of delivering key projects is a careful balance between assessing priorities and working within our funding constraints.”

The 2019-2023 Five-Year Program also reaches the department's goal of allocating at least $260 million per year for preservation of bridges and highways throughout the state highway system. In addition, ADOT has proposed increasing the amount of preservation funding to $320 million per year during the next six to 10 years as part of the recently adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan.

Preservation projects include repaving highways, filling potholes, extending the life cycle of existing pavement, and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

The State Transportation Board’s approval of the Five-Year Program followed a call for public comment in March and three public hearings in Sahuarita, Flagstaff and Phoenix. In general, major projects begin as part of the agency’s long-range visioning process, move into a 20-year plan and a six- to 10-year development program and then become part of the Five-Year Program, which is developed by working closely with local planning organizations and community leaders to identify projects that are ready to build or design.

Funding for the Five-Year Program is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place.

The following is a list of major projects for Greater Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) region and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) region during the next five years. This list provides an overview and does not include all projects in the program. The 2019-2023 Five-Year Program, once published next week, can be found at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram.  

Greater Arizona

  • State Route 189, Nogales to Interstate 19: Total cost is $134 million allocated in fiscal year 2019 for both phases of this design-build project. ADOT is moving forward with these improvements along SR 189 to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico at the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest land ports in the United States.
  • Interstate 17: Anthem to the Sunset Point Rest Area: This project allows for the design and widening of I-17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point, with specific areas and projects still under study.
  • $15 million (ADOT) and $10 million (Maricopa Association of Governments) for design in FY 2019
  • $168 million for widening in FY 2021 and FY 2022 (this includes $128 million from ADOT and $40 million from MAG)
  • US 93: “The Gap” Tegner Drive to State Route 89: This project will widen a 3-mile stretch of US 93 near Wickenburg to a four-lane divided highway.
  • $5 million for right of way in FY 2019
  • $41 million for construction in FY 2020
  • ADOT and city of Flagstaff partnership project: $10.2 million allocated in FY 2020 to expand the Fourth Street Bridge over Interstate 40 in Flagstaff.
  • US 93/Interstate 40: West Kingman traffic interchange: $10 million allocated for right of way in FY 2020 for this new traffic interchange in downtown Kingman. Construction is expected to begin in FY 2024 and is projected to cost $55 million. ($5 million was allocated for design in FY 2018)
  •  
  • State Route 69: Prescott Lakes Parkway to Frontier Village: This partnership project with ADOT and the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization will widen a 1-mile stretch of SR 69 to three lanes in each direction and add safety improvements.
  • $1.3 million for right of way and utilities in FY 2020
  • $8.7 million for construction in FY 2021
  • State Route 260: Lion Springs section: This project will widen the last section of SR 260 near Star Valley, reaching ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire length of the corridor.
  • $5 million for design in FY 2021.
  • $45 million for construction in FY 2023
  • US 93: Cane Springs section: This project will widen a 3-mile stretch of US 93 north of Wikieup and is part of ADOT’s commitment to transform all of US 93 into a modern, four-lane divided highway.
  • $5 million for design in FY 2021
  • $35 million for construction in FY 2023
  • US 93: Big Jim Wash section: This project will widen a 5-mile stretch of US 93 north of Wickenburg and is part of ADOT’s commitment to transform all of US 93 into a modern, four-lane divided highway.
  • $5 million for design in FY 2023
  • $33 million for construction in FY 2025

Pima County region

  • Interstate 10: Ina Road to Ruthrauff Road: $109 million allocated from FY 2020 to FY 2022 to widen the freeway between Ina and Ruthrauff roads.
  • Interstate 10: Ruthrauff Road traffic interchange: $102 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for this reconstruction project.
  • Interstate 10: Houghton Road traffic interchange: $46 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for this construction project.
  • Interstate 19: Ajo Way traffic interchange: $36 million is allocated in FY 2019 for the second phase of this reconstruction project.

Maricopa County region

Many major projects continue to move forward in the Maricopa County region as part of ADOT’s five-year programming process and the recent update to the Maricopa Association of Governments’ 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. This plan includes updated project costs as part of the rebalancing process. Some of the region’s major expansion projects over the next five years are noted below. The complete list of projects can be found in the 2019-2023 Five-Year Program located at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram.

  • Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway: The 22-mile freeway, which is currently under construction, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.
  • Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway): I-17 Split to the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in Chandler: This project will widen the mainline and includes improvements at the Broadway Curve to help traffic flow more efficiently.
  • State Route 30 Study: Loop 303 to Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway: Phase One for construction of a proposed new freeway, once a decision is made by the Federal Highway Administration after the environmental study process is complete.
  • Loop 101 Pima Freeway: Interstate 17 to Pima Road/Princess Drive: Construction of a general purpose lane in each direction, along with modifying freeway ramps and frontage road connections at 10 interchanges.
  • Loop 101 Pima Freeway: Pima Road/Princess Drive to Shea Boulevard: Construction of a general purpose lane in each direction, widening of four overpass structures and other improvements.
  • Loop 101 Price Freeway: US 60 to Loop 202 Santan Freeway: Construction of a general purpose lane in each direction and other improvements.
  • Interstate 10: State Route 85 to Verrado Way: Construction of a general purpose lane in each direction along this 8-mile stretch, along with bridge reconstruction at the Miller Road and Watson Road traffic interchanges.
  • Loop 303 Study: Interstate 10 to the proposed State Route 30: Construction of a new freeway, new bridges and other improvements, once the environmental study process is complete and a final decision is made by the Federal Highway Administration.

Governor Ducey appoints Gary Knight to State Transportation Board

Governor Ducey appoints Gary Knight to State Transportation Board

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor Ducey appoints Gary Knight to State Transportation Board

Governor Ducey appoints Gary Knight to State Transportation Board

March 13, 2018

PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Gary Knight, a Yuma City Council member who has served on that metropolitan area’s transportation-planning organization, to join the Arizona State Transportation Board.

Knight, who in January began a second four-year term on the City Council and currently is Yuma’s deputy mayor, will serve on the seven-member panel upon confirmation by the state Senate.

State Transportation Board members prioritize transportation needs, projects and funding on behalf of communities throughout Arizona. Each member serves a six-year term.

Knight will represent District 6, which includes Yuma, La Paz, Yavapai and Mohave counties. He will succeed Deanna Beaver, who completed her term and was the board’s chairwoman during her last year.

“Transportation infrastructure is vital to economic development in the state and is of particular importance in the rural, less-populated counties,” Knight said. “I look forward to working with ADOT and the rest of the Transportation Board members to improve transportation infrastructure throughout District 6 and the state.”

A Yuma native and Navy veteran who owned a boat dealership before retiring, Knight served for four years as a member of the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Board, including one year as chairman and two years representing the organization to the Arizona State Transportation Board and the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council. 

Knight also has served on the board of the Greater Yuma Port Authority and represented Yuma on the transportation and legislative affairs committees of the local Chamber of Commerce.

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About the State Transportation Board

The seven-member State Transportation Board has policy powers and duties, in addition to advising the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. Board members, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, serve six-year terms. The board has broad authority to plan and develop Arizona’s highways, airports and other state transportation facilities. In addition to these general policy duties, the board is responsible for development and oversight of the state’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. More information on the State Transportation Board is available at aztransportationboard.gov.

Governor Ducey appoints Sam Elters to State Transportation Board

Governor Ducey appoints Sam Elters to State Transportation Board

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor Ducey appoints Sam Elters to State Transportation Board

Governor Ducey appoints Sam Elters to State Transportation Board

February 6, 2018

PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Sam Elters, a transportation engineer with more than 30 years of experience in planning, design, construction and operations, to serve on the Arizona State Transportation Board.

Elters, who is senior vice president and national director of transportation for Matrix Design Group Inc. of Phoenix, will serve on the seven-member panel upon confirmation by the state Senate. He will succeed Joseph E. LaRue, who served one year as the board’s chairman.

State Transportation Board members prioritize transportation needs, projects and funding on behalf of communities throughout Arizona. Each serves a six-year term.

Elters’ transportation experience spans the public and private sectors and includes serving as the Arizona Department of Transportation’s state engineer from 2005 to 2008. He also has served as a chief engineer for the Transportation Corridor Agencies providing toll roads in Orange County, California.

Elters has been in Arizona since 1981 and has been a resident of Maricopa County since 2005.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the State Transportation Board,” Elters said. “I look forward to collaborating and working with the other board members and the Arizona Department of Transportation to promote and advance transportation solutions that will energize Arizona’s economy and enhance our quality of life.”

Meanwhile, William F. Cuthbertson, a Freeport McMoRan civil engineer who is from Greenlee County’s York Valley near Duncan, has been named chairman of the State Transportation Board.

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About the State Transportation Board

The seven-member State Transportation Board has policy powers and duties, in addition to advising the director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. Board members, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, serve six-year terms. The board has broad authority to plan and develop Arizona’s highways, airports and other state transportation facilities. In addition to these general policy duties, the board is responsible for development and oversight of the state’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. More information on the State Transportation Board is available at aztransportationboard.gov.

State Transportation Board OKs contract for ADOT wrong-way detection system

State Transportation Board OKs contract for ADOT wrong-way detection system

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Transportation Board OKs contract for ADOT wrong-way detection system

State Transportation Board OKs contract for ADOT wrong-way detection system

July 28, 2017

PHOENIX – Construction of a first-in-the-nation system to detect wrong-way vehicles and alert law enforcement and other drivers is scheduled to begin in early August following State Transportation Board approval of the contract for installation.

At the direction of Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona Department of Transportation has accelerated the start of construction on the $3.7 million pilot project along 15 miles of Interstate 17 in Phoenix. That includes pre-ordering materials, including thermal cameras that will detect wrong-way vehicles as well as poles and fiber-optic cable, rather than waiting for a contractor to secure those items.

On Friday, the State Transportation Board conditionally approved a $1.89 million bid from Contractors West Inc. of Mesa to install the system. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in early August, a month sooner than earlier project estimates. Installation and testing are expected to be completed by early next year.

The system will use thermal cameras to detect a wrong-way vehicle along an off-ramp, triggering an illuminated wrong-way sign with flashing lights aimed at getting the attention of the driver. The system will immediately alert the Arizona Department of Public Safety and ADOT while warning other freeway drivers in the area through overhead message boards. On the freeway, additional thermal cameras placed at one-mile intervals will signal when a wrong-way vehicle passes to help State Troopers plan their response.

While ADOT and the DPS react quickly to reports of wrong-way drivers, the response right now usually begins with 911 calls from other motorists.

The I-17 pilot system will speed notification, but it can’t prevent wrong-way driving, which in most cases involves impaired drivers. ADOT and partner agencies, including DPS and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, continue to study other potential responses to reduce the risk from wrong-way driving.

State Transportation Board approves 2018-2022 Five-Year Construction Program

State Transportation Board approves 2018-2022 Five-Year Construction Program

I-17 101 traffic interchange

State Transportation Board approves 2018-2022 Five-Year Construction Program

State Transportation Board approves 2018-2022 Five-Year Construction Program

June 16, 2017

PHOENIX – Projects will increase capacity on key commerce corridors including Interstate 10, State Route 189, US 93 and Interstate 17 under the Arizona Department of Transportation’s construction program covering fiscal years 2018 through 2022.

On Friday, the State Transportation Board approved an annual update to ADOT’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which includes projects in Greater Arizona and the Maricopa County and Pima County regions. This followed a three-month comment period allowing the public and agencies to provide feedback.

“Connectivity and reliability are crucial for an ever-expanding state highway system like Arizona’s, especially as the population continues to grow and businesses choose to relocate here,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Projects in ADOT’s Five-Year Construction Program will help move people, goods and services, generate commerce and economic activity through investments in major freight and travel corridors, and deliver on the agency’s commitment to not only maintain but improve the quality of pavement, bridges and other infrastructure.”

ADOT is able to accelerate some major expansion projects for Greater Arizona because of federal funding increases, grants and state budget appropriations. Key commerce corridors like Interstate 10, State Route 189, US 93 and Interstate 17 will all see capacity improvements over the next five years. In addition, construction of a dust-detection and warning system along I-10 near Picacho Peak will move forward as part of the newly adopted program.

ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21 billion investment in the state highway system through dedicated preservation funding. This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260 million per year for preservation. Projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges and projects to extend the life of existing pavement all help to preserve the highway system and keep it functioning as it should.

The State Transportation Board’s approval of the Five-Year Program followed a call for public comment in March and three public hearings in Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix. In general, projects begin as part of the agency’s long-range visioning process, move into a 20-year plan and a six- to 10-year development program and then become part of the Five-Year Program, which is developed by working closely with local planning organizations and community leaders to identify projects that are ready to build or design.

Funding for the Five-Year Program is generated by the users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place.

The 2018-2022 Five-Year Program is now published and can be found at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram.

ADOT advances wrong-way detection with $3.7 million project

ADOT advances wrong-way detection with $3.7 million project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT advances wrong-way detection with $3.7 million project

ADOT advances wrong-way detection with $3.7 million project

June 12, 2017


PHOENIX – A $3.7 million project to construct a first-in-the-nation thermal detection system, which will detect wrong-way vehicles and alert the other drivers and law enforcement of them on Interstate 17, was approved Friday afternoon by the State Transportation Board.

Last week, Governor Doug Ducey instructed the Arizona Department of Transportation to accelerate the construction of this system in light of recent wrong-way crashes, which resulted in Friday’s vote.

Construction of the thermal camera pilot system is expected to begin this fall on I-17 from I-10 to Loop 101. ADOT is exploring ways to begin construction even sooner. Full installation will take seven months, and the performance of this pilot will guide further expansion.

The system will take a three-phase approach when a wrong-way vehicle is detected: alerting wrong-way drivers so they can self-correct, warning right-way drivers and notifying law enforcement.

Once operational, the system will use thermal cameras, warning signs for wrong-way drivers and advisories for right-way drivers along a 15-mile stretch of I-17. In addition, the system will automatically focus highway cameras on the wrong-way vehicle and send automated alerts to the Highway Patrol, helping troopers intercept vehicles faster.

On freeway ramps, wrong-way vehicles will trigger alerts, including illuminated signs with flashing lights, aimed at getting drivers to stop. The system will immediately warn other drivers through overhead message boards as well as law enforcement. Cameras in the area will automatically turn to face the wrong-way vehicle so traffic operators can better track it. On the freeway, thermal cameras placed at one-mile intervals will signal when a wrong-way vehicle passes so State Troopers plan their response and get out in front of the wrong-way driver, providing a faster response.

While ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety respond quickly to reports of wrong-way drivers, most incidents begin with 911 calls from other motorists. The advantages of this system begin with automatically alerting ADOT and DPS to wrong-way drivers at the point of entry and getting State Troopers to wrong-way vehicles faster.

This system can reduce the risk, but it can’t prevent wrong-way driving.

Phoenix-area freeways safely move hundreds of thousands of vehicles every day. When crashes do occur, research demonstrates that more than 90 percent of the time, the collision is the result of driver behavior – like speeding, reckless or distracted driving, or driving while impaired. Wrong-way crashes fit this pattern.

Beyond a detection system, coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement is necessary to stop and intercept wrong-way drivers before they enter the highway system.

ADOT also continues to study new technologies that promote highway safety for all users, including tools for detection, tracking and notification of wrong-way drivers.

Following Friday’s action by the State Transportation Board, the project now requires approval from the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council.