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Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe on Thursday morning, Aug. 13, need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation begins blasting work as part of a project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior.
The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require a full closure of US 60 for up to 90 minutes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 13.
Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235) until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.
ADOT anticipates the highway will be closed briefly once a week for blasting for up to three months. As blasting continues there will be a lesser impact on traffic and delays will be reduced.
The $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.
The project will include the following:
Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (milepost 233-234)
Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242, west of Miami)
ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.
There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.
Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
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