Motorists should allow an additional 15 minutes when planning trips through the area.

Blasting consists of small controlled explosions in the ground to break up hard rock for digging storm drain and sewer line trenches. Crews use “blasting mats” to cover the surface and prevent flying debris. After each shot the blasting mats are removed. Traffic is completely cleared prior to the next blast. Nearby residents could hear a muffled “boom” as each shot occurs, and it is unlikely that anything will be felt. Equipment to clear any debris and vibration monitors will be on site.

Plans for earth blasting are dependent upon weather. Special construction alerts will be sent if the plans change.

Construction of a retaining wall is ongoing south of the Village of Oak Creek where traffic has been shifted westward onto temporary pavement. There may be minor traffic impacts such as shoulder closures or construction vehicles needing access to the road, or lane closures of short durations with flaggers/DPS present.

Drainage work between the new Ranger Station and Ridge Trail Drive is ongoing. There may be minor traffic impacts such as shoulder closures or construction vehicles needing access to the road, or lane closures with flaggers/DPS present.

Crews have made progress breaking through the hard rock near Jack’s Canyon Road and expect to reopen the intersection to traffic in February.

Intermittent driveway closures are necessary for the construction of the new improved storm drain, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and driveways. These closures will be minimized to the extent possible and signage will be placed to assist with business access. Individual businesses will be given advance notice of these closures.

Work for new bridge construction in the forest segment is ongoing near milepost 309.5, and there may be short duration flagging operations. The HT Trail will be closed until Spring 2007.

Traffic at Back O Beyond is shifted to the east side of the road, so storm drain work can proceed on the west side. Temporary concrete barrier is installed to help traffic flow. There may be intermittent lane closures with flaggers/DPS present.

Back O’ Beyond to Copper Cliffs (APS, Qwest and Cable Vision)
APS, Qwest and Cable Vision will begin utility relocation work between Back O’ Beyond and Copper Cliffs in the beginning of February. This work is planned to be completed by April 2007. The public can expect to see APS, Qwest and Cable Vision crews and their contractor adjacent to the roadway in this area.

Painted Canyon to Arrow Drive (Unisource)
Unisource Gas will begin installing a new 6” gas line between Painted Canyon and Arrow Drive. This work will begin in mid February and is expected to be completed by late March. The public can expect to see Unisource crews and their contractor adjacent to the roadway in this area.

Canyon to the Y (Arizona Water)
Arizona Water Company will be installing a new 16” water line between Canyon Drive and the Y (SR 179/89A). This work is scheduled to begin in February and is expected to be completed by mid July. The public can expect to see Arizona Water crews and their contractor adjacent to and in the roadway in this area.

Schnebly to Ranger Rd (APS, Qwest and Cable Vision)
APS, Qwest and Cable Vision will be temporarily relocating their overhead facilities located near the Oak Creek Bridge to allow enough room for the SR 179 contractor to construct the new Oak Creek Pedestrian Bridge. Once the Pedestrian Bridge has been constructed, all three utility companies will permanently relocate underground and use the underside of the new pedestrian bridge as the way across the creek. The work is scheduled to begin in February and is expected to be completed by May 2007. The public can expect to see APS, Qwest and Cable Vision crews and their contractor adjacent to the roadway in this area.