Herold Ranch Road in the Forest Dale neighborhood of Flagstaff has been submerged for weeks. This is the result of record winter meltwater runoff. Access to properties is a major issue for many residents east of the Wash.
On Friday, Coconino County public works crews began hauling 1 to 3.5 inches of river rock to fill the still-submerged pit on Herold Ranch Road. Coconino County spokesperson Stephen Pellegrini said the speed of the flooding from Rio Defrag and the changing depth of water in response to the snowmelt that day had prevented the crew from coping with the problem so far.
“This is the first viable opportunity to attempt to add material to these recesses,” said Christopher Tressler, county engineer and director of Coconino County Public Works. “Our team is checking [floodwater] This was especially difficult as the speed and depth of the water varied significantly throughout the day.
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By bringing in and placing rocks, the county hopes to create a safer driving surface for residents. The rock is a temporary fix until more permanent restoration can begin, Tressler said.
The project will be closely monitored, according to a press release from the county.
“We have to be aware of the fact that these rocks can have a negative impact downstream if enough of them are washed away,” said Tressler.
Coconino County officials said public works crews installed warning signs on Herold Ranch Road on Friday to prevent potholes from accumulating until floodwaters recede in the wash to allow permanent repairs to begin. Continue working on filling projects.
Sierra Ferguson can be reached at sierra.ferguson@lee.net.
