It's summer construction season in northern AZ

Winter weather has come and gone in northern Arizona and that means construction in the high country is gearing up after several projects were shut down due to colder temperatures. Warm weather make for ideal conditions to complete projects in northern Arizona and this summer is expected to be another busy construction season. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be working on several continuing and new projects in Coconino, Mohave, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache and Gila counties totaling nearly $250 million this summer. 

Due to high elevations, rougher terrain and cooler temperatures, construction in northern Arizona is typically limited to mid-April through September in some regions. That poses a unique to complete projects in a limited time frame. 

This summer ADOT wants to make sure commuters and vacationers can get to their northern destinations with the least amount of delays. 

Motorists are urged to obey posted, reduced construction zone speed limits; avoid unnecessary lane changes; allow extra distance between themselves and the vehicle ahead; and to exercise extreme caution while driving through these work zones. 

ADOT urges travelers to please visit www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 for updated information about construction projects across the state. 

Among the projects already under way: 

State Route 260 Doubtful Canyon Widening: The Doubtful Canyon widening project, located approximately 20 miles east of Payson, includes the construction of three miles of four-lane divided highway between the previously improved Kohl’s Ranch and Christopher Creek segments along SR 260. The widening of SR 260 at Doubtful Canyon is the fifth of six projects designed to widen the highway from Star Valley to the Mogollon Rim. The $29.4 million project is scheduled for completion this fall.