Last year, ADOT launched its very first “Haboob Haiku” challenge in an effort to spread the word about dust storm safety and the response was pretty amazing.

That’s actually a huge understatement ... Not only did we receive over 600 original haikus (some even by phone and snail mail), but #HaboobHaiku yielded stories in media outlets all over the world (they even wrote about it in New Zealand!).

New York Daily News Books may have put it best…@NYNDNews: “This is sorta awesome: Arizona fighting dust storms with haiku.” Or maybe it was @BlazingLily: “#HaboobHaiku just might be the best hashtag ever!”

We agree, @BlazingLily, so we’re bringing it back!

Haboob Haiku: Year Two

Today, as part of ADOT’s ongoing efforts to share the important messages related to dust storm safety, we are once again asking you to channel your inner poet by writing a haboob haiku and sharing it over on Twitter (don’t forget to #haboobhaiku and mention @ArizonaDOT) or on our Facebook page or even here in the comments.

Be sure to visit PullAsideStayAlive.org for a look at our videos and driving tips – while you’re there, you might just find some ideas for your own haiku.

After all, safety is the point of #HaboobHaiku. The haikus are designed to reinforce ADOT’s public safety message urging drivers to avoid driving into or through a dust storm at all costs. Drivers are instead encouraged to pull off the roadway and wait out a dust storm rather than trying to drive with reduced or zero visibility.

How to Haiku

Haiku is a type of poetry that conforms to a certain syllable structure. They’re traditionally written in three lines – the first line consists of five syllables, the second line has seven and the third ends with five.

Usually these poems can be on any subject, but for #HaboobHaiku, we want you to focus on monsoons, dust storms and our safety message: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.

Some inspiration to get things started

Before you rush off to Tweet us your latest haiku, take a look at some of the favorites from last year...

• You’re not a Jedi / This is not Tatooine, Luke / Pull over now, man
• Dust blows, swirls and grows / Roadways become danger zones / Pull over, lights off
• Wham, bam, dust storm jam / Can’t see? Don’t drive, pull over / Lights out ‘til all clear

We can’t wait to see what you come up with for Haboob Haiku: Year Two!

It’s that time of year again…

Temperatures are dropping across the state and some areas have already seen snow.

The start of the winter season means motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of ADOT’s annual road closures.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually due to the significant amount of snowfall and most are reopened in the spring.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (31 miles) will close on Dec. 4.  
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 15. 
• State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Dec. 17. 
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake will close Dec. 17. The four-mile long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area. 
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford will close on Thursday, Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal. 

Drivers should know that roads are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the closure date.

Before heading out on the road, call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

At ADOT we always want to give drivers a warning of what’s coming up on the road ahead...

Whether it’s an impending freeway closure or a new type of traffic signal, we try our very best to get the word out ahead of time so motorists know what to expect.

But, sometimes something will impact our roads (and the ability to drive them) quickly and without much notice, making it all the more difficult to get the message out.

Dust storms absolutely fall under this category.

As you can see in the video above, these weather phenomena arrive suddenly and bring a blinding dust that can quickly reduce visibility to near zero. They make driving conditions hazardous and can cause crashes that may involve chain collisions and massive pileups on highways.

Ultimately, dust storms are an act of nature. While we don’t get much advance notice that they’re on the way, we can at least learn about these storms and know what to do when we encounter one.

Which brings us to this week’s theme: Pull Aside • Stay Alive.

You’ll hear that a lot from us over the next few days as we devote the entire week to monsoon and dust storm awareness.

That’s right ... this whole week will be focused on staying safe during the monsoon and dust storm season. We’ve got a lot planned for you here on the blog and on our Facebook and Twitter pages, too, so you’ll want to stay tuned!

But, first up, we’ve got some tips for drivers. Motorists play an important role in their own safety and the safety of others when operating vehicles during a dust storm ... here’s what to do when encountering a low- or no-visibility dust storm:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm. 
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway -- do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
• If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
• A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability is still the No. 1 factor to prevent crashes.

Last week we received a blog comment requesting an update on the I-17 bridges that span over Pinewood Boulevard in Munds Park. We thought it was a great suggestion and figured a blog post was in order!

But, first a little refresher …

You might remember we blogged about the bridges back in May. That’s when the first phase of construction was in full-swing and crews were working on the northbound bridge.

We told you then that this project is going to update the bridges initially built in 1958 … back when there wasn’t much development in the area. When the job is finished this fall, there will be two new bridges that will be long enough to accommodate today’s traffic levels and wide enough for a future third lane in each direction on I-17. The project also includes a new sidewalk on Pinewood Boulevard that will allow pedestrians to cross safely underneath I-17.

Where we’re at today

I-17 traffic over the new bridge.

The northbound bridge is complete and the project is in winter shutdown except for some electrical work being done.

Work on the southbound bridge will begin when the weather warms sufficiently in the spring.

When construction resumes, the southbound bridge will be demolished, then reconstructed and I-17 will be repaved through the work zone.

While this work is being done, the southbound bridge will be closed and motorists will be detoured over to the northbound lanes of I-17.

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

Snow-covered, icy highways get swift attention from ADOT crews each winter, but some routes face factors so severe, that completely closing the road down for a few months is the best option.

A handful of state routes are annually shut down because they’re located in areas where HEAVY snowfall is common. These routes typically see little traffic – so it makes sense for ADOT to use its resources to keep more heavily traveled highways open.

When ADOT closes a road for the winter, maintenance crews will set up barricades at the closure points and then drive the roads to make sure no vehicles are in the closed sections.

So far, a few routes have already been closed, or are scheduled to close within a few weeks …

A portion of SR 366, also known as “The Swift Trail,” was closed on Nov. 15. This is the scenic highway that leads to Mount Graham – the closure begins at the end of the paved highway, just beyond the turnoff to Shannon Campground. ADOT may need to close the highway at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal (this highway is too narrow to allow traffic to pass the snowplow). The Swift Trail should open up again in mind-April, unless conditions require it to be closed longer.

SR 67 – between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon – closed on Nov. 28. This portion of the route won’t be cleared of snow during the winter since the visitor accommodations at the North Rim are closed. Expect this road to re-open around mid-May.

SR 473 to Hawley Lake is slated to close Nov. 30.

SR 261 – between Big Lake and five miles south of SR 260 – is scheduled to close on Dec. 19.

A five-mile segment of SR 261 from the junction of SR 260 south toward Big Lake may be left open until Jan. 16, depending on the amount of snowfall.

SR 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake will close Dec. 19. The segment of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area.

It’s important for motorists to drive with caution as they encounter winter conditions. Check out ADOT’s “Know Snow” web page for maps and tools to assist you this season. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions by visiting az511.gov or by calling 511.

Arizona isn’t known for its harsh, winter weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean we don’t see some considerable snowfall during our colder months.

In fact, areas up in the state’s high country already had their first snowfall this season and more is on its way. So, what better time to make sure you’re ready for the winter season ahead?

ADOT certainly is ready ... as part of the department’s winter safety operations, we remove snow and ice during and after storms to keep highways open for motorists and businesses. Our snowplows are serviced and ready, our operators are prepared and our maintenance yards are stocked with deicer materials and equipment!

A few facts about snowplows and snow removal …

• ADOT has 395 employees who are trained and have commercial driver licenses, which are required to operate a snowplow.
• These employees go through a lot of training. Before they can become a certified snowplow operator, employees have to go through 4-8 hours in the classroom, 8-16 hours training in a snowplow simulator and at least 40 hours of on-the-job training.
• Snowplow operators typically work 12-hour shifts during winter storms.
• ADOT has 196 snowplow trucks in its fleet. Each snowplow costs about $250,000 and they are funded with state funds from the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF).
• This year, ADOT is adding 15 new snowplows to its fleet. They’ll replace some of our older snowplows. (We’ll tell you more about this tomorrow!)
• ADOT is fully stocked with deicer chemicals. There are about 24,000 tons of Ice Slicer (granular product seen in video above) available statewide along with liquid magnesium chloride (a naturally occurring salt mineral).

You can see in the video above, ADOT crews are out there right in the middle of the storm, making sure the state’s roads are as safe as possible.

“Our main concern is to keep the roadways open, to keep them safe for the traveling public and to get the information out that the conditions may change as they drive,” says Flagstaff Maintenance Engineer Chuck Gillick.

While our snowplow drivers do their part to keep the roads open, motorists play a big role when it comes to safety, too …

For information on how to stay safe when driving in snowy conditions, you can visit ADOT’s “Know Snow” webpage. From maps to a look at how ADOT removes snow, the page includes some great tools you’ll want to check out.

“The main thing that drivers can do is be informed about the weather conditions and to just slow down, let the plows do their job and just have a safe ride and realize its going to take a little bit longer to get to where they’re going than under ordinary conditions,” says Gillick.

Monsoon season officially begins today, and brings with it some potentially hazardous driving conditions that all motorists should be prepared for.

According to the National Weather Service, Monsoon season lasts now until the end of September ... that means we're in for more humidity, which leads to thunderstorm activity across higher terrains, lightning, hail, high winds, flash floods, dust storms and extreme heat.

ADOT urges drivers to be prepared for summer storms by following these Monsoon safety driving tips:

• When it doubt, wait it out! If you see a dust storm ahead, it’s best to exit and wait for the dust to move through the area.
• When faced with low or zero visibility conditions, pull your vehicle off the road as far to the right as possible. Turn off your lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake pedal. These steps reduce the chances that other drivers mistake your vehicle as the one to follow.
• Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Water is a powerful force that should not be underestimated.
• Do not drive around ‘Road Closed’ signs. You risk your life and face being cited under the state’s stupid motorist law.
• If traffic lights are out, treat an intersection just like a four-way stop.
• Expect the unexpected. Have extra supplies, including an emergency kit and drinking water, in case you experience an extended highway closure.
• Storm runoff can loosen boulders and rocks on slopes above highways. Stay alert in rockfall prone areas.

ADOT highway maintenance teams are prepared for the Monsoons, too! In fact, ADOT maintenance teams work to clear drainage catch basins throughout the year to limit flooding. Crews also check on the condition of dozens of storm water pump stations along freeways.

To stay up to date on highway conditions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site http://www.az511.gov/ or call 511 from within Arizona.

Arizona dust storms sometimes hit suddenly, without much notice at all.

Drivers can be caught very quickly in a blinding wall of dust and debris that leaves almost no visibility. While these storms typically happen between May and September, motorists should be aware year-round of the potential danger these high-wind storms create.

On average, nearly five people lose their lives in Arizona each year because of accidents related to dust storms. Many more are injured.

If you are driving during dust storm season in Arizona be sure to listen to weather reports and check current road conditions before you leave on your trip.

Here are some guidelines for traveling in dust storms:

• Travel at a speed suitable for limited visibility
• NEVER stop in the travel lane
• If you can’t pull off the road, turn your lights on
• Sound your horn intermittently
• Use the painted lane striping to guide you
• If possible, look for a safe place to pull off the road.

If you are able to safely pull off the road, observe the following safety tips:

• Set your emergency brake
• Take your foot off the brake pedal
• Turn off all vehicle lights
• Wait out the storm

When you return to the road, be aware that it may be slippery and in some cases, pavement markings may be obscured by sand and dust blown on the road. View more on dust storms in Arizona.