by 
The expansion of US Hwy. 60 through Superior is coming. Of that, there is no doubt.
But where does the project stand at present?
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Superior Chamber of Commerce received firsthand information on the project from a spokesperson from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the engineering firm responsible for the project, Mindy Teague, Engineer from SRE-Globe Construction who is involved in the road widening of U.S. 60 Superior section. Representatives from ADOT were also there to answer questions.
The Copper Bistro, located at 2118 E. Hwy. 60 in Globe, prepared a fine luncheon for the Chamber members consisting of a Cornish pasty with gravy, a green salad, pasta salad, drinks and cookies. The Cornish pasty is a traditional meat and vegetable pastry. It was a regular lunch item eaten underground by Cornish copper and tin miners who became known as “Cousin Jacks” in the United States.
Following lunch Carmen Casillas announced that she will be running for Representative of District 8 in the Arizona Legislature. Carmen is an advocate for education, jobs and the economy. She says she supports the Resolution Copper project and responsible mining.
Teague spoke then, using maps and a slide show presentation to provide information about the highway project. Business owners from Superior voiced their concerns about safety as well as the impact the construction and the completed highway will have on their businesses. Not everyone is happy with the design plan. Drainage was another issue discussed.
The crossing of U.S. 60 at the “Y” at the end of Main Street was also a major point of discussion. The Y crossing is being moved to align with the new Circle K driveway. This could have an impact on traffic flow to other businesses forcing drivers to make a U-turn if they are headed west and want to stop at certain businesses on the opposite side of the road.
The construction is scheduled to begin on Sept. 17, 2015. It is expected to be completed in 850 days, sometime in 2018. The first phase will be the new alignment from Hewitt Station Road east.
After the meeting, a rumor was being circulated that the Superior Chamber of Commerce was filing an injunction to halt the U.S. 60 project. It turned out to be false information. Sue Anderson, President of the Chamber, said, “I want to be sure everyone understands that the Superior Chamber of Commerce will not take part in, or support, any legal action against this project. It is our job to get the facts about the project to the appropriate people and help our businesses get through this with the least amount of disruption to their businesses.”
Main Street entrance/exit crossing to U.S. 60
Mindy Teague
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
by by