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

Weather Alert for SR 179 and Oak Creek

ADOT and the Contractor are aware that there could be major flooding in Oak Creek early Friday due to a rain event on site Thursday evening. We are taking precautions to remove all small construction materials from the creek bed and secure the larger ones. We have put all subcontractors on alert, and the contractor drilling the bridge shafts will remove the drilling equipment by the end of the shift on Thursday. We are also preparing the rest of the site to attempt to contain and channel as much runoff as possible through the best management practice sediment controls. We strongly advise all residents to prepare for this potential flood and please only travel on SR 179 Thursday night if it is absolutely necessary.

Currently (subject to weather changes), Oak Creek is expected to reach flood stage Friday around 6 am with a crest approximately 10 hours later. This event, if it develops as forecasted, could be similar or worse than the December 2004 event that reached the bottom of the old bridge.
   

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.