State Route 87 safety project completed in time for Memorial Day weekend
Payson, Rim Country communities to benefit from improved highway
Phoenix - Valley residents and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the White Mountains to escape the rising summer temperatures will have a reason to celebrate. The Arizona Department of Transportation is fulfilling its commitment to complete State Route 87 safety improvements before Memorial Day travel weekend and in time for what's expected to be a busy tourism season in the Rim Country.
By this weekend, ADOT crews are scheduled to remove all major traffic restrictions on SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) approximately five miles north of the Saguaro Lake Turnoff and restore all four lanes of the divided highway. The highway was restricted to one lane in each direction while the construction work geared up after Labor Day weekend last year.
The $11.8-million reconstruction and widening project between New Four Peaks Road (milepost 204) and Dos S Ranch Road (milepost 210) started last summer and includes the addition of a third southbound lane to enhance safety and traffic flow along the last mile-and-a-half long uphill stretch during drives between Payson and the Phoenix area. Erosion control and slope repairs were also made over a 1.2-mile stretch slightly north of the project.
Town of Payson Mayor Kenny Evans said the timing of the completion of SR 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, couldn't have come at a better time and the road improvements will help drive the economy in the Payson area as more visitors trek to the area.
“We are very pleased that ADOT has completed the corridor improvements on the Beeline Highway in such a timely fashion. No one likes the inconvenience of road repairs and highway improvements,” Evans said. “One week after Memorial Day weekend, Payson will be hosting the Regional Mountain High Games (June 3-5), which will see a significant increase in traffic.
“We have been extremely impressed with ADOT’s open communication policy during construction and are pleased to be able to once again invite our visitors from the Valley to make a ‘beeline’ to Payson. Whether a day trip or weekend getaway, everyone can once again enjoy the easy drive up the Beeline Highway in order to relax in the cool mountain pines of Payson,” he said.
The new safety improvements are the latest in a series of projects over the last two decades to enhance travel along SR 87, which is now a divided four-lane highway between Mesa and Payson.
"This is an example of using limited transportation funding to help improve safety conditions along our state highway system," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "We've also worked quickly because we recognize the link between State Route 8y and the economies of Payson and other Rim Country and White Mountain communities."
SR 87 improvements were funded through a combination of a half-cent Maricopa County sales tax under the voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan and the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Motorists can check the project web site to find out if any temporary restrictions are put into place by visiting http://www.valleyfreeways.org/Highways/Valley_Freeways/SR87/closures_restrictions.asp.
For the latest information about highway conditions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot, www.twitter.com/ArizonaDOT or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT.
Payson, Rim Country communities to benefit from improved highway
Phoenix - Valley residents and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the White Mountains to escape the rising summer temperatures will have a reason to celebrate. The Arizona Department of Transportation is fulfilling its commitment to complete State Route 87 safety improvements before Memorial Day travel weekend and in time for what's expected to be a busy tourism season in the Rim Country.
By this weekend, ADOT crews are scheduled to remove all major traffic restrictions on SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) approximately five miles north of the Saguaro Lake Turnoff and restore all four lanes of the divided highway. The highway was restricted to one lane in each direction while the construction work geared up after Labor Day weekend last year.
The $11.8-million reconstruction and widening project between New Four Peaks Road (milepost 204) and Dos S Ranch Road (milepost 210) started last summer and includes the addition of a third southbound lane to enhance safety and traffic flow along the last mile-and-a-half long uphill stretch during drives between Payson and the Phoenix area. Erosion control and slope repairs were also made over a 1.2-mile stretch slightly north of the project.
Town of Payson Mayor Kenny Evans said the timing of the completion of SR 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, couldn't have come at a better time and the road improvements will help drive the economy in the Payson area as more visitors trek to the area.
“We are very pleased that ADOT has completed the corridor improvements on the Beeline Highway in such a timely fashion. No one likes the inconvenience of road repairs and highway improvements,” Evans said. “One week after Memorial Day weekend, Payson will be hosting the Regional Mountain High Games (June 3-5), which will see a significant increase in traffic.
“We have been extremely impressed with ADOT’s open communication policy during construction and are pleased to be able to once again invite our visitors from the Valley to make a ‘beeline’ to Payson. Whether a day trip or weekend getaway, everyone can once again enjoy the easy drive up the Beeline Highway in order to relax in the cool mountain pines of Payson,” he said.
The new safety improvements are the latest in a series of projects over the last two decades to enhance travel along SR 87, which is now a divided four-lane highway between Mesa and Payson.
"This is an example of using limited transportation funding to help improve safety conditions along our state highway system," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "We've also worked quickly because we recognize the link between State Route 8y and the economies of Payson and other Rim Country and White Mountain communities."
SR 87 improvements were funded through a combination of a half-cent Maricopa County sales tax under the voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan and the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Motorists can check the project web site to find out if any temporary restrictions are put into place by visiting http://www.valleyfreeways.org/Highways/Valley_Freeways/SR87/closures_restrictions.asp.
For the latest information about highway conditions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot, www.twitter.com/ArizonaDOT or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT.
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