After a harsh winter for roads, the Arizona Department of Transportation has pledged more than $85 million to patch, resurface, repair and improve potholes in roads across the state.
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Approximately $35 million will be allocated for pavement projects, with $50.5 million primarily to replace 23 deteriorated pavements in Northern Arizona. ADOT press release.
ADOT will also endorse $40 million for similar projects in the agency’s five-year construction program from 2024 to 2029.
Rough conditions on about 30 miles of Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff are dealt with by paving projects that have just reopened after the winter break.
Work to address severe road deterioration on portions of Interstates 40, 17, and 10. US Route 60. State Routes 260 and 77 are expected to open in mid-May or June.
“I am proud to announce that we have invested more than $50 million to restore our roads,” said Governor Katie Hobbs in a press release, with the funds coming from other project savings. I said yes. “For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money it needs to protect its highways and ensure a bright future for all Arizonas. We are grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these important investments.”
According to ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel, the cold climate of northern Arizona and wet weather in lower elevations and heavy traffic on Arizona’s highways are a recipe for potholes. Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport recorded 7.27 inches of precipitation in March, well above the monthly average of 1.88 inches. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
“Northern Arizona is experiencing a freeze-thaw cycle,” Nintzel says. “In other words, it gets warm enough during the day to melt the snow and ice, and at night it freezes again and the pavement starts to wear out.”
Nintzel emphasized that ADOT does pavement repairs year-round, but this spring the focus is on temporary repairs, with a lot of work following the rough winter months. ADOT also said he is gearing up for the monsoon season starting in June.
“We’ve reached a stage beyond temporary repairs,” he said. “We’ve actually gotten to the point where we’re scraping off the old damaged pavement and laying a new layer of asphalt pavement on the highway.”
Potholes in the road can do a lot of damage to cars, according to Julian Paredes, public relations specialist for AAA Mountain West.
“By 2021, road potholes will cost cars about $26.5 billion in damage across the U.S., so it’s a big deal,” Paredes said.
According to AAA, the average cost for a driver to repair damage caused by potholes is $600.
“It (the hollow) may not be something you think about on a daily basis, but it’s actually a big deal,” Paredes said. “One of the tips he can do to avoid potholes is to have a little more space with the car in front so you can avoid whatever situation is in front of you, like potholes. We will have time to respond.”
