Arizona Department of Transportation SR 179 Improvement Project
800.529.2876 www.scenic179.com pr@scenic179.com

Welcome to the State Route (SR) 179 Project Weekly Construction Update - your electronic connection to the SR 179 Project with the most current information on construction plans and activities.

What to Watch for the Week of January 4, 2010

Happy Holidays and please drive safely.

• Oak Creek Bridge Work
• Traffic Restricted to One Lane at Night Between Canyon Drive and Morgan Wash
• Daytime Activities Between Canyon Drive and Morgan Wash
• Holiday Schedule
• Project Success: Traffic Transitioned to Portion of New Bridge
• Project Office Moved

First Priority: SAFETY

Oak Creek Bridge Work
A major milestone was reached last week when traffic was transitioned to the south portion of the new Oak Creek Bridge.  Phase 2 of the demolition of the existing bridge is scheduled to begin next week—January 4, 2010. This is the last demolition needed to allow the remaining portion of the new Oak Creek Bridge to be constructed, and completely remove the old structures. The first phase of the bridge demolition (Phase 1) occurred in May of 2009 and included special provisions for removal of contaminants (lead paint) and debris. All demolition work has adhered to federal and state agency (EPA and ADEQ) guidelines and regulations.

Last spring, ADOT and the contractor applied for all applicable permits and submitted a detailed demolition plan for the Phase I demolition to the required agencies, and the demolition was performed with no impact to Oak Creek.

The Phase 2 demolition plan was approved by several federal and state agencies (including the removal of any hazardous materials) after performing site inspections for the proposed procedures. Once Phase 2 of the demolition is complete, the final drilled shafts and abutment 2 (west end) of the new Oak Creek Bridge can be completed.

ADOT and the contractor have implemented the same measures as in Phase 1 to ensure that demolition debris is not allowed to enter Oak Creek or to contaminate the riverbed. Any materials generated from the demolition activities will be removed from the creek banks for disposal.  Upon completion of the new bridge, the floodplain area affected by construction activities will be rehabilitated to a more natural condition.  Planting activities associated with this rehabilitation is expected to occur mid-summer 2010.

Traffic Restricted to One Lane at Night Between Canyon Drive and Morgan Wash
A 42” storm drain is being installed along SR 179 between Canyon Drive and Morgan Wash. Work that will necessitate restricting traffic to one lane will occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for approximately four weeks. Flaggers will direct traffic in this area.

Daytime activities between Canyon Drive and Morgan Wash
Work progresses on both the uphill and downhill retaining walls. Short duration traffic restrictions to one lane will occasionally be necessary for up to 10-minutes during wall form setting, and for equipment and truck access to the work area.  Please plan your travels accordingly.

Holiday Schedule
Work will finish by noon on Thursday, December 31. No work will take place on New Year’s Day. There may be work over the weekend.

Project Success: Traffic Transitioned to Portion of New Bridge
Last week, all traffic was transitioned onto the south portion of the new bridge.

Project Office Moved
The SR 179 project office in the Village has closed. The new office is located at the former Chevron (125 W. 89A) at the corner of SR 179 and SR 89A in Sedona. The new mailing address is PO Box 1511, Sedona, AZ 86339.  The project Hotline remains the same - 800.529.2876.

ADOT and Southwest Asphalt Paving appreciate your continued cooperation as these improvements are made to SR 179.

Please note: Changes to construction plans can happen frequently due to weather, equipment and personnel availability. We try to anticipate construction activities a week in advance but changes may occur. Intermittent lane closures, with short delays, may not always be known in advance.

For a complete listing of freeway and highway restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1.