Speed reduced on 87 to aid fire crews

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Transportation is temporarily reducing the speed limit on State Route 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) from 65 mph to 45 mph between mileposts 191 and 193 in both directions so fire crew and supply vehicles entering and leaving the Sunflower Fire base camp can merge more safely with traffic.

As crews continue to battle the blaze, there is a steady flow of traffic in and out of the base camp, located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation just north of the Verde River.  The lowered speed limit will assist vehicles merging into SR 87 traffic. Drivers traveling between the Valley and Payson area also should watch for other traffic control devices in place to aid fire-fighting vehicles merging and turning into the base camp.

ADOT asks all drivers to remain alert and use caution in this area.

For current road conditions on Arizona’s highways and freeways log onto az511.gov or dial 5-1-1 from any landline or mobile phone from anywhere in Arizona.