$6.5M safety project completed on Arizona highway after year of work
Nov 21, 2018, 7:06 AM
(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)
(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)
PHOENIX – Drivers heading east out of Phoenix toward Roosevelt Dam will have a smooth ride on the highway now that a yearlong, $6.5 million road project has been completed.
State Route 88 underwent resurfacing, some paving and safety improvements, the Arizona Department of Transportation said this week.
The scenic 45-mile stretch of highway, part of which is known as Apache Trail Historic Road, starts in Apache Junction and ends near Roosevelt Dam.
About 18 miles were worked on. the agency said Monday.
Safety enhancements included guardrail replacement, centerline rumble strips, adjustments to several curves in the road and removal of several boulders above the road.
The resurfaced section runs from about 3 miles northeast of Apache Junction to 7 miles past Tortilla Flats.
ADOT said data showed speed was factor in accidents on the route in 2017 and the first half of 2018. Posted speed limits are between 25 and 40 mph. In some spots the limit is 10 to 20 mph.
Law enforcement agencies told the highway department that 40 percent of accidents on that road were caused by speeding.
State Route 88 provides access to recreation areas along the Salt River and passes through Maricopa and Pinal counties.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
