Construction begins on highway improvement project east of Payson

The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction on State Route 260 east of Payson next Monday, June 8.

The work will be part of the SR 260 Lion Springs Improvement project that is anticipated to take 2.5 years, with annual winter periods in which construction will be halted.

There will be seven major improvements:

• Additional travel lane in each direction between mileposts (MP) 256 to 260
• A new center-turn lane between MP 256 to 257 and new center median between MP 257 to 260
• A new frontage road for the Diamond Point subdivision
• Three new wildlife crossovers
• Improvements and/or installation of drainage and sediment-control facilities, including culverts, pipes and ditches
• Removing, extending and replacing guardrails
• New right-turn lane for eastbound SR 260 at Lions Springs Road and westbound SR 260 at Dealers Choice Road (this improvement was added as a result of public input received at a June 2024 meeting)

What can drivers expect during construction?

There will be intermittent daytime lane restrictions from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 5 a.m. to noon on Fridays, as needed, according to ADOT.

There will be one travel lane in each direction open throughout the construction. The only change would come if flaggers or a pilot car need to guide drivers through the work zone.

Drivers are advised to plan for delays while the work is underway.

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