ADOT to repair asphalt problems on new South Mountain Freeway

PHOENIX — The Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway may be newly minted, but there are already some spots with damage along it.

Over the stretch from Interstate 10 to Dobbins Road, there are small areas of damage where an overpass meets pavement on the ground, Arizona Department of Transportation spokesperson Tom Herrmann told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

However, ADOT said this doesn’t present danger to drivers and affected areas will be repaired in the spring when the weather is more conducive to the asphalt.

Herrmann said the investigation has shown two potential reasons for the damage: One is that the asphalt was applied too thin. It needs to be an inch thick.

The other is that it was placed on too cold of a day. If the temperature was below the mid-60s, the asphalt would not have properly hardened and cured.

“We’re still investigating, but we believe it’s either because it was not applied thick enough or because it was applied on a surface that was a little too cold,” Herrmann said.

Repairs will not cost taxpayers additional money. Herrmann said ADOT’s contractor is covering repairs over the next 30 years.

Once the temperature warms up in the spring, the areas of the road will be restored.

“While disappointed, these things happen,” Herrmann said. “We will continue to monitor to make sure it’s safe and it will be repaired as soon as the weather allows us so I think it’s something that’s a short-term problem and will be taken care of.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Nailea Leon contributed to this report. 

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