Arizona Department of Transportation SR 179 Improvement Project 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 Week of December 3
Building the Next Roundabout at Cortez With the first two roundabouts operating well in the Village at Jack's Canyon and Ridge Trail, crews have moved to Cortez to build the roundabout there. The roundabout is being built from west to east and is anticipated to be open within the next two weeks. Similar to the other roundabouts that have been built to date, there will be night work associated with the final steps to open the roundabout to traffic. Detours are clearly marked to access the west side of Cortez during the road closure. Remember: traffic already within a roundabout has the right-of-way and traffic approaching the roundabout must yield. Once in the roundabout, traffic within the roundabout (in the circle) has the right-of-way, so turning movements and u-turns actually have priority in this new system. As with any intersection, move out of the intersection and pull to the right if an emergency vehicle is approaching. Medians Beginning to Take Shape
When the project is complete, there will be raised medians throughout the corridor (except in the Forest, where the northbound and southbound roadways will be split). The medians will vary in width from 12 to 16 feet and are designed not only to separate traffic but also to control access and provide a refuge for vehicles within designated left-turn lane bays. By minimizing openings in the median, providing left turn lanes, and limiting the crossover opportunities available for vehicles, the mobility and safety of the corridor are greatly increased. The roundabout intersections are specifically designed so that u-turns are convenient and simple. A vehicle wishing to access a residence or business "across the median" will simply proceed to the next roundabout and turn around so they can make an easy right-hand turn into their destination. Big Park Wastewater Improvement District is working in the vicinity of Castle Rock to reconstruct several manholes. Once that work is complete, ADOT crews can complete the Castle Rock intersection. Please join us Thursday, December 6 at the SR 179 Project Office for our monthly Construction Chat. There will be a brief presentation at 8 a.m. The project office is located in the Village of Oak Creek at Bell Rock Plaza, Suite C. SR 179 to be Featured on Yavapai Broadcasting Tuesday. December 4 Project 2 Business/Resident Forums Business Forums Resident Forums December 5, 6-8 p.m. Please note: Changes to construction plans can happen frequently due to weather, equipment availability and personnel issues. 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. If you have information for the Scenic 179 construction updates, please send it to pr@scenic179.com or fax to 928-204-9835. To change your e-mail address, add someone new, or request a text version of this update, please e-mail pr@scenic179.com. |
