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Adobe building restoration is part of SR 80 project

Adobe building restoration is part of SR 80 project

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Adobe building restoration is part of SR 80 project

Adobe building restoration is part of SR 80 project

November 3, 2015

When it comes to dirt, the ADOT Blog has you covered.

We’ve shown you how we move it, we’ve told you the ways crews use it in construction, we’ve explained the tests that are performed on it and even why it sometimes gets “painted” green.

But today we’re talking about a project that takes dirt to a whole new level and utilizes it as a building material…

Right now, crews are working on a safety and enhancement project on SR 80 in the city of Tombstone. The project includes the restoration of some elements along the highway, known locally as Fremont Street, where it runs through the city’s historic district.

Part of the work includes the restoration of a porch on the city-owned Schieffelin Hall, a former theater and ballroom built in 1881.

Since Schieffelin Hall is an adobe structure, crews are using dirt to make new adobe bricks that’ll replace the water-damaged bricks at the base of the building.

ADOT projects don’t typically include this type of restoration and architectural work, but as ADOT Historic Preservation Specialist Sara Ferland explains in the video, Schieffelin Hall is unique.

“For federally funded projects, we have to identify historic properties within or adjacent to the right of way that might be impacted by the project. For restoration and rehabilitation you have to use matching historical materials whenever possible,” Ferland said.

More about the project
The restoration work is just a part of this $1.1 million improvement project. Crews will also replace the sidewalk in a three-block area in front of Schieffelin Hall, and along both sides of SR 80/Fremont Street. To make the street more pedestrian friendly, ADOT will narrow the width of the street and add lighting within the project area.

Work also includes

  • constructing new concrete sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps.
  • installing new landscaping and an underground irrigation system between the new sidewalk and new curb on both sides of SR 80.
  • removing the functionally obsolete pedestrian bridge, which is located at the east end of the project limits at the old Tombstone High School campus.
  • narrowing the existing roadway from 68 feet wide to 44 feet wide by saw-cutting and partially removing the existing asphaltic concrete roadway.
  • removing and replacing existing pavement in the project area.
  • constructing new curbing and driveways.
  • replacing, relocating or removing existing signs to maintain appropriate distance from the roadway.

From the Rearview Mirror: Caissons

From the Rearview Mirror: Caissons

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From the Rearview Mirror: Caissons

From the Rearview Mirror: Caissons

October 29, 2015

With hundreds of blog posts in our archives, we understand if you haven’t had a chance to read them all.

However, there’s a lot of interesting content in those early posts and we don’t want you to miss out. That’s why we’re looking back and highlighting some of our favorites in a series called, “From the Rearview Mirror.”

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Originally published on Oct. 21, 2011, this blog post highlights something that most people don’t get to see every day – a bridge’s substructure. In the post and accompanying video, you’ll learn all about caissons and how they give bridges strength. The video also gives a close-up look at how caissons are built and put into place – an interesting process to see.

Bridges are a favorite topic here on the ADOT Blog and in the years since this post was first published, we’ve continued to blog about the structures. If you’d like to learn more, revisit some of our previous bridge blog posts after you’re done learning about caissons.


Building a Freeway: Massive underground caissons give bridges strength

You know when you drive under or over a freeway bridge that it’s a massive structure...

There are the two abutments (the upright supporting structures at each end that carries the load of the bridge span), there are usually center columns or piers, and, of course, the girders and the bridge deck (the part you actually drive across).

The girders and the deck make up the bridge’s superstructure. (You can tell how much goes into a bridge’s superstructure by checking out what goes into taking one down.)

But what you don’t see is that buried beneath the bridge is part of the equally impressive substructure formed by rows of caissons – massive steel-and-concrete pillars that support and lock in place the abutments.

The substructure, which is made up of the caissons and the abutments, ensures that the bridge is secure and strong enough to support not only its own weight, but also the weight of all the vehicles that drive across it every day.

The caissons are formed by tying thousands of feet of rebar into massive steel cages that are then lifted with a crane, lowered into drilled shafts, and filled with concrete. Several feet of rebar is left rising out of the ground, which is what the abutments are ultimately secured to.

There’s no such thing as a “standard size” caisson…their lengths and diameters vary from project to project and bridge to bridge based on several factors, including the soil type and the expected and actual weights the bridge must support.

Generally speaking, caissons for most bridges in Arizona are between 40 and 120 feet deep and 5 to 12 feet in diameter.

There’s also no set number for how many caissons each abutment will require – that, too, varies by bridge.

Take the three bridges being constructed for the new phase of Loop 303 in Surprise, for example. The bridge abutments at Waddell and Cactus roads are supported by 23 caissons each (46 total per bridge), while the bridge at Greenway Road, which is only partially elevated over Loop 303, requires just 20 total caissons (10 under each abutment).

The video above shows the fabrication and installation of those Loop 303 caissons. The steel cages for these particular caissons are 95-feet long and weigh about 20,000 pounds. The cages were lowered into 88-feet-deep drilled shafts and filled with 80 cubic yards (eight truckloads) of concrete each.

If you’re keeping tally … that’s eight truckloads for each caisson, times 106 caissons, for a total of 848 cement truckloads (for just those three bridges)…and that is just part of the substructure!

The concrete for these caissons cures in about 24 hours, clearing the way for the next phase of building a freeway.

ADOT builds new pedestrian underpass on SR 189

ADOT builds new pedestrian underpass on SR 189

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ADOT builds new pedestrian underpass on SR 189

ADOT builds new pedestrian underpass on SR 189

October 16, 2015

It’s not just about building and maintaining highways, here at ADOT...

The agency actually takes on a number of projects related to other things, like pedestrians, bicyclistswildlife and even the occasional boat.

Today’s video highlights one of those projects by focusing on the work being done to complete a new pedestrian underpass, designed to separate the movements of pedestrians and commercial trucks leaving the Mariposa Port of Entry on the Arizona/Mexico border in Nogales.

ADOT Resident Engineer Dan Casmer explains in the video that, when completed, the new structure will measure 350 feet long and will contain an internal lighting system and closed circuit television system.

“By year’s end we will be able to serve pedestrians more safely and more efficiently," Casmer says of the underpass. "It will also improve the efficiency of commercial goods entering the United States from Mexico,”

Find more on the Arizona ports of entry on our website.

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

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Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

October 5, 2015

If you’ve been following along with us, you know that we’ve been covering the Loop 101 widening project since work started last summer.

We’ve given you updates, shared a cool time-lapse video and even told you about that time an ASU class came to visit the site.

One thing we haven’t covered yet is speed. No, we’re not talking about the speed of the project’s progress (we actually have covered that – work currently is on schedule to wrap up late next year). We’re referring to the speed at which motorists are driving through the project’s work zone…

Crews have noted that not all drivers are slowing down to the reduced 55 mph speed limit. ADOT Transportation Engineering Specialist David Locher says the data shows that some vehicles are actually averaging about 70 mph through the area.

Work Zone Safety tips

  • Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted and people may be working on or near the road.
  • Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work-zone crashes.
  • Keep a safe distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Maintain two car lengths between you and the car in front of you as well as road crews and their equipment.
  • Pay attention. The warning signs are there to help you move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs.
  • Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. You can be cited for disobeying a flagger's directions.
  • Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
  • Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
  • Check road conditions before you travel. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information by calling 511 or by logging on to az511.gov.
  • Be patient and stay calm. Remember, crews are working to improve the road and your commute.

Slow down in the work zone!

Crews need space to work, but instead of closing an entire lane through the work zone, ADOT opted to narrow each of the existing lanes to help keep traffic moving during the project.

“A typical lane is 12 feet wide and we’ve narrowed it to 11 feet wide,” Locher explains. “On top of that, we don’t have a shoulder during construction, so even the minor flat tire can become a back-up and there’s little room to maneuver if there is an accident.”

So, what should drivers do?

Department of Public Safety Spokesman Bart Graves reminds drivers that they have to slow down and obey all signs/warning devices in work zones – not only for the well-being of construction crews, but for their own safety.

“It’s really important that the motorists slow down and approach that area carefully” Graves said.

For more information on how to safely maneuver through work zones, please visit our Work Zone Safety page.

ADOT nationally recognized for environmental leadership

ADOT nationally recognized for environmental leadership

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ADOT nationally recognized for environmental leadership

ADOT nationally recognized for environmental leadership

September 29, 2015

By Dustin Krugel
ADOT Office of Public Information

Learn about the many methods used by ADOT to prevent wildlife from entering roadway in this video from May 2014.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, which has been nationally recognized for its creative and innovative solutions to promote safe travel while protecting wildlife and connecting ecosystems, received another accolade for its leadership in developing wildlife crossing structures in Arizona.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration recently awarded ADOT and its partner Animal Road Crossing Solutions this year’s Environmental Excellence Award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership.

Arizona has long been considered a leader in wildlife connectivity issues. ADOT and multiple partner agencies, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department, collaborated to construct wildlife underpasses and elk crossings along State Route 260 east of Payson and desert bighorn sheep overpasses near historic Hoover Dam on US 93.

“ADOT has a long record of innovative and successful wildlife accommodations as part of construction projects,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “While ADOT is not a wildlife-management agency, we are a transportation safety agency and we partner with other agencies, such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, in an effort to preserve and protect wildlife, while reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions.”

According to data collected by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, more than 15,000 crossings by 16 species of animals were recorded at six underpasses along SR 260 in Arizona over a seven-year period. In addition, more than 4,300 desert bighorn sheep crossed three overpasses on US 93 in Arizona in a two-year span.

In addition to preserving wildlife, these specialized crossings protect drivers from crashes with some of the state’s big game.

A fencing project linking three existing crossing structures on SR 260 reduced elk-vehicle collisions by 98 percent over a six-year span.

Wildlife crossing structures and fencing can greatly lessen the impact of traffic because, together, they provide safe linkages across highways, helping ensure stable local and regional wildlife populations.

Selected by an independent panel, the Environmental Excellence Award is the Federal Highway Administration’s biennial recognition of innovative efforts to preserve the environment while enhancing America’s highways.

“Building a 21st-century transportation system that is cost-efficient and protects the environment requires creativity and innovation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These awards demonstrate FHWA’s support of projects that approach current and future transportation challenges with new solutions.”

Additional information about the 2015 Environmental Excellence Award recipients can be found online.

ADOT YouTube channel nears milestone

ADOT YouTube channel nears milestone

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ADOT YouTube channel nears milestone

ADOT YouTube channel nears milestone

September 25, 2015

We’re about to hit a big milestone over on the ADOT YouTube channel.

As of this moment we have 499,498 views, which is pretty close to half a million, which is really impressive considering ADOT launched its YouTube channel just five years ago...

In that time, we’ve shared a couple hundred videos on everything from bridge demolitions and caissons to Arizona’s big birthday, the value in partnering and runaway truck ramps.

Besides being entertaining and educational, every single one of the videos has helped ADOT to connect with you, the driving public! Our hope is that by producing these videos, we can continue to offer a better visual understanding of construction projects, traffic-related incidents, public safety campaigns, agency services and more.

So, what do you say ... can you help push us up to 500,000 views this weekend?

If you’re not sure where to begin, you might want to start by checking out some of our playlists. We’ve got several of them, allowing viewers to easily access information on construction projectstransportation safety and a series of short, interesting videos that are worth checking out.

If you have a favorite video, we’d love to hear from you! And, if you have any suggestions for future videos, let us know.

Before you head over to YouTube check out our channel, we'd like to say thanks for watching!!

Why we build roundabouts

Why we build roundabouts

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Why we build roundabouts

Why we build roundabouts

September 15, 2015

By now, most of you have probably encountered a roundabout.

They’re being built more and more frequently because of the benefits they provide, which are highlighted in the video above. Hopefully we’re not spoiling the ending by telling you that roundabouts offer engineers an efficient and safer option for building intersections…

“The traffic specialists throughout the country and engineers are looking for a better mousetrap in terms of intersections,” says ADOT Senior Deputy State Engineer Steve Boschen above. “Modern roundabouts are really one of the great tools we have to reduce serious injuries and fatalities at intersections.”

After you view today’s video on why we build them, you can check out some additional roundabout resources, including this video on how drivers can safely maneuver a modern roundabout. We also hope you’ll visit our roundabouts page for even more information and the answers to some frequently asked questions.

From the Rearview Mirror: Loop 303

From the Rearview Mirror: Loop 303

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From the Rearview Mirror: Loop 303

From the Rearview Mirror: Loop 303

September 9, 2015

With hundreds of blog posts in our archives, we understand if you haven’t had a chance to read them all.

However, there’s a lot of interesting content in those early posts and we don’t want you to miss out. That’s why we’re looking back and highlighting some of our favorites in a series called, “From the Rearview Mirror.”

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Originally published one year ago, this blog post highlights a very big milestone: the completion of all four ramps connecting Loop 303 and I-10. The post and the video mark the conclusion of a project that started back in 2011. That new interchange was – and still is – important, not just for West Valley drivers, but to the entire state because of its ability to help to expand commerce while also easing travel throughout the region.

We’ve blogged a lot about the Loop 303 and we’re not done yet. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing some updates on the continued improvements to the freeway. Several projects, stretching from I-10 to Happy Valley Parkway, are designed to improve traffic conditions.


All ramps are open at the Loop 303/Interstate 10 traffic interchange

Have you heard the news? All four of the ramps connecting Loop 303 and I-10 are open!

We told you about the first two ramps (southbound Loop 303 to eastbound I-10 and eastbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303) last month. Shortly after that, the two additional ramps (westbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303 and southbound Loop 303 to westbound I-10) opened up to drivers on Aug. 24.

As you can see in the video above, there’s also a frontage road system connecting Sarival Avenue to Citrus Road – it is expected to open by mid-September and is the last piece of this phase of the interchange project. Phase II of the project, which will provide southbound access from I-10 to Van Buren Street, is currently in design and is expected to begin construction in 2016.

Looking back

Work on the interchange started in late 2011 and we’ve been covering the project’s progress along the way. We thought it might be fun to look back at some of those posts and videos. After you finish watching the video above, check out these links to learn more about:

Of course, the interchange is just one part of the improvements happening along the Loop 303 corridor. ADOT is working to improve Loop 303 to create a six-lane freeway with three general-purpose lanes in each direction between I-17 in Phoenix and I-10 in Goodyear.

ADOT utilizing technology to conduct efficient commercial vehicle safety inspections

ADOT utilizing technology to conduct efficient commercial vehicle safety inspections

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ADOT utilizing technology to conduct efficient commercial vehicle safety inspections

ADOT utilizing technology to conduct efficient commercial vehicle safety inspections

August 26, 2015

Many drivers have noticed some new technology that’s been installed at three rest area locations.

No, they’re not speed enforcement cameras, in case that’s what you were wondering...

The technology is actually designed to help ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division (ECD) conduct more efficient commercial vehicle safety inspections. Right now, the new technology is in place at the McGuireville (I-17 between Flagstaff and Camp Verde), Canoa Ranch (I-19 between Tucson and Nogales) and Sacaton (I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande) rest areas.

How the system works
It all starts with a standard advisory sign along the roadway placed about a mile and a half before the rest area entrance. That sign directs commercial motor vehicles to move into the right lane of travel. As the truck travels closer to the rest area, it’ll drive over a weigh-in-motion sensor embedded in the roadway to determine the approximate vehicle weight. Simultaneously, camera images of the vehicle are captured to check the status of the vehicle registration, U.S. Department of Transportation number, fuel tax assessment and carrier safety records.

If the system determines a commercial motor vehicle is in violation of weight requirements according to federal or state regulations, the driver is directed by roadside digital message signs to pull into the rest area. Then, inside a section of the rest area, ADOT’s ECD officers will conduct a more in-depth inspection of the commercial vehicle.

The new system has several advantages.

Because only non-compliant vehicles are directed by the message boards to stop for an inspection, it’s expected that this technology will help motor carrier companies save time and money. The new system will also help cut down on traffic congestion in the rest areas since fewer commercial motor vehicles are required to be inspected.

“Trucks that are overweight will do more damage to the pavement surface,” says ADOT Public Information Officer Harold Sanders in the video above. “We make sure that they are properly permitted and that they pay the appropriate user highway fees, which are used to do the maintenance and repair of the roadway surface.”

Donor Network of Arizona recognizes August as ‘ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month’

Donor Network of Arizona recognizes August as ‘ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month’

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Donor Network of Arizona recognizes August as ‘ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month’

Donor Network of Arizona recognizes August as ‘ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month’

August 20, 2015

By Ryan Harding
ADOT Office of Public Information

When you apply for a driver license or identification card, registering to become an organ donor is as simple as checking a box. For years, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and the Donor Network of Arizona have worked closely to educate people about organ and tissue donation and make it easy for people to register.

One young man who registered as an organ and tissue donor through the MVD was Michael Choppi. Michael passed away in January 2011 at the age of 24, and his kidneys and liver went on to save three lives. Michael was also a tissue donor, helping dozens of others live a quality life.

“It’s a sense of peace to know that night, there were people out there and families that benefited,” said Kim Choppi, Michael’s mother. “It’s nice to know that my son was able to provide the gift of life to someone.”

Michael made the decision to be an organ donor at the age of 14. When he was old enough to apply for a driver license, he didn’t have to think about checking the box on his application to become an organ donor.

“In our case, my son had the [foresight] to look into the future and if something happened to him, how could he help someone else,” said Mike Choppi, Michael’s father. “That’s the kind of kid Michael was.”

In 2003, only eight percent of Arizona adults were registered as organ donors. Right around that time, the MVD and Donor Network of Arizona began actively working together to promote organ donation and today, more than 50 percent of Arizona adults are organ donors.

“Organ donation is one of the most moving and impactful gifts you can give someone,” said Eric Jorgensen, director of the Motor Vehicle Division. “We are proud to partner with a great organization like Donor Network of Arizona to spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation and facilitate public participation.”

Ninety-five percent of organ donors have registered through the MVD.

“ADOT MVD Saves Lives Month gives Donor Network of Arizona a chance to thank the MVD staff on behalf of the community for their work in helping to spread the word about the importance of signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, and for giving Arizonans the opportunity to register whenever they complete a driver license or ID application,” said Sara Pace Jones, vice president of Development and Referral Services for Donor Network of Arizona.

“Every time a person checks the box to save and heal lives, they are giving voice to generosity in our community. We rely on our partnership with this incredible government agency to make the most of life through the gift of organ and tissue donation,” Jones continued.

For more information on organ donation, visit Donor Network of Arizona at dnaz.org.

“Registering at the MVD takes the decision making out of a family’s hands who now has one less thing to worry about,” said Mike. “It’s so easy. There’s no excuse not to do it.”