The Arizona Department of Transportation is considering approval for a new five-year plan that will prioritize and guide highway and other transportation projects throughout the state.
Since February, ADOT has sought public input into crafting the plan, which covers everything from freeways to airports.
Under the most recent draft, which may be approved by the time this story goes to press, plans for $2.65 billion on highways, $2.8 billion on the regional transportation plan for freeways and nearly a billion dollars on airport improvements over the next five years, for an anticipated grand total of $6.44 billion spent across the state.
In Yavapai County, ADOT has planned for $70.2 million worth of highway projects through 2016.
Starting in 2012, ADOT wants to begin a $6.1 million pavement preservation project on six miles of northbound I-17 from the Sedona exit to the Stoneman Lake exit. The same year will potentially bring a $410,000 retrofit project to fix up the I-17 bridge over the Agua Fria River.
ADOT is also considering spending $1.6 million a year through 2015 for projects on turnoffs along State Route 89A near Sedona. The Verde Valley could see $2.8 million to pay for roadway reconstruction projects along State Route 260 from Western Drive on the outskirts of Cottonwood to Thousand Trails. The following year, 2013, has more potential projects on the horizon, including a $4.8 million pavement preservation project along I-17 northbound up Black Canyon Hill.
Further north, the same thing will be done to 12 miles of I-40 from the weigh station to the Ash Fork turnoff. Around four miles of State Route 69 will also be included for 2013, from Big Bug to Poland Junction. ADOT is estimating a $25 million job to widen State Route 89, from the junction at State Route 89A five miles to south of Chino Valley. The state could also set aside $100,000 for design work for roads in Red Rock State Park.
Preliminary plans for 2014 in Yavapai County call for a $3 million design project anticipating a widening of 30 miles of I-17 between Cordes Junction and Rock Springs.
The year 2015 could also bring more widening of State Route 260 between Thousand Trails and I-17, along with $2.6 million in safety improvements on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff.
At the Cottonwood Airport, the state has plans for $1.16 million in improvements through 2015, including an extension of the runway, an asphalt overlay to help protect the runway and the installation of weather reporting equipment.
The tentative plan is available online at www.azdot.gov/5yearprogram. The State Transportation Board was expected to review this draft at a meeting Friday after press time in Chinle.
