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The Arizona
Department of Transportation, in conjunction with Cochise County, will begin
work Jan. 17 to make drainage improvements on a section of Davis Road near
Tombstone that requires frequent closures because of flooding.
The low
water crossing at approximately milepost 10 on Davis Road is part of the
watershed from nearby mountains, and storm water floods the roadway,
particularly during summer rains. Flooding in the area has led to several swift
water rescue operations by Cochise County emergency services providers.
The route,
which connects State Route 80 and US 191, is heavily used by oversize vehicles
that are unable to stay on Interstate 10 because of several low bridges in
eastern Arizona. Davis Road, in addition to serving several large ranches in
Cochise County, is commonly used by commercial trucks entering the state at the
International Port of Entry in Douglas.
The $2.95
million project will construct concrete arch culverts to channel water beneath
the roadway and prevent flooding, create an earthen channel, and install
guardrail and concrete barrier, as well as preserve access gates to nearby
ranch property.
Cochise
County was able to obtain federal funding from several sources to design and
construct the project in a multi-agency effort that included the Federal
Highway Administration, ADOT, the SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization
(SEAGO) and Cochise County.
Before work
begins on the drainage structures, ADOT will construct a short paved detour
around the project area to maintain two-way traffic during the six-month
project. The temporary roadway alignment will be constructed north of the
existing road.
The detour
will feature 10-foot travel lanes and a 35 mph speed limit.
Brief
closures of Davis Road will be required for some work, including the delivery
and installation of pre-cast concrete arches that will compose the drainage
culvert. ADOT will provide information
in advance of restrictions that affect travel.
The project
will be substantially complete in mid-June 2017, followed by reseeding and
permanent roadway striping. The project will be complete Aug. 1, 2017.
Drivers should proceed
through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.
ADOT works to inform the
public about planned highway restrictions and closures, but it’s possible that
unscheduled impacts might occur because of weather or other factors. For the most current
information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information
Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.
For more information, please call C.T. Revere, ADOT senior community
relations officer, at 520.705.3574 or email crevere@azdot.gov.
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