ADOT Working to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission says that 23 people died in wrong-way Arizona crashes in 2009, the latest year with available data. These were accidents in which a driver entered a road against traffic or drove on the wrong side of the road.
The Arizona Republic reports that the state Transportation Department is testing new technologies and road markers to combat the problem.

Most of the time the driver realizes the error quickly and disappears before patrol officers arrive, but when accidents occur they tend to be more severe.

The NHTSA says that drunk drivers are at fault in three fourths of all wrong way crashes. The agency also says that wrong way drivers have more traffic violations, felony convictions and other accidents than the average motorist.

US 60 Gonzales Pass Project Receives Award

The environmental advocacy group Valley Forward has given the “President’s Award” to the Arizona Department of Transportation for the US 60 Gonzales Pass project.

The 10-mile scenic stretch of highway is the gateway from the Phoenix metro area to the communities of Superior, Globe, Miami, and the Tonto National Forest.

The $40 million project opened in October 2008, eight months ahead of schedule. The project between Florence Junction and Superior improved the safety and capacity of the two lane roadway by widening it to a four lane divided highway.

The project was also recognized as one of the top ten roads in America by Roads and Bridges Magazine in 2009.

ABC15 Reports on Globe Crosswalk

ABC15 in Phoenix did a report this week about the crosswalk near Globe High School.

Two students have been struck by cars recently while trying to cross Highway 60.
Cars frequently fail to stop when people are in the crosswalk. Reporter Jay Reynolds saw several close calls himself and you can see a couple of them in his video report.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is responsible for the roadway. They told Reynolds that they didn’t know there was a problem, but they are willing to work with local government to fix it.

Globe High School Principal Cindy Parravano is afraid it’s only a matter of time before something disastrous happens. She says she will probably write a letter soon to the Department asking them to take some action.

Work Begins On SR177 Curve Realignment

The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting construction on a project to realign a curve on State Route 177, about five miles south of Superior. The work will decrease the amount of the curve and enhance safety. The project is scheduled for completion in early summer.

Drivers are reminded to slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.