That means motorists who travel between the Valley and Rim Country communities this Memorial Day – and all summer long – will enjoy a safer, quicker and more scenic drive.
Arizona 87 is the major link between the metro Phoenix region and Payson and is a popular route for Valley residents hoping to take a vacation from the heat.
Holiday weekends and summer months are particularly busy for the stretch of road. In the past, large numbers of vehicles heading back down to the Valley would create backups on the last steep incline before the highway drops toward the Bush Highway.
But now drivers should see some significant upgrades to portions of the highway!
This week ADOT is putting the finishing touches on an $11.7 million roadway improvement and erosion-control project. Funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the project included repairing slopes and ditches, reinforcing embankments and implementing roadway modifications to meet state and federal standards on Arizona 87 between New Four Peaks Road (milepost 204) and Dos S Ranch Road (milepost 210).
If you take a drive up or down Arizona 87, some things you’ll be sure to notice are:
A 1.5-mile southbound climbing lane that was added to reduce backups caused by slow-moving trucks and RVs.
Highway shoulders that were widened for safety.
Erosion control measures that were taken on adjacent slopes to reduce the possibility of rocks falling onto the roadway.
It’s important to note that work began in September 2010 and was completed not only on time, but also on budget!
No Valley Closures over holiday weekend
May 27 - 30, 2011
Weekend Valley Freeways Closures & Restrictions
Drivers will not face any construction-related closures over Memorial Day weekend in the Phoenix area. Drivers who travel elsewhere in the state should be aware of existing work zones that require lane restrictions:
I-10 approximately 40 miles west of downtown Phoenix (milepost 105). Highway is narrowed to one lane in both directions for a bridge improvement project at the Hassayampa River. Please allow extra time and consider traveling earlier in the day or later at night to avoid heaviest holiday traffic.
I-17 approximately 20 miles south of Flagstaff (milepost 322). Highway is narrowed to one lane in both directions for interchange reconstruction at Munds Park. Please allow extra travel time and be prepared for slower traffic in the area.
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