This is a continuation in a series of construction alerts that will be issued throughout the US 60 Gonzales Pass Roadway Improvement Project. The project begins approx. 1 mile east (milepost (MP) 213.1) of the intersection of US 60 & SR79 at Florence Junction & extends east to just beyond the Queen Creek Bridge at MP 222.7. Roadway improvements on this 10 mile portion of scenic highway through the Tonto National Forest will include: existing roadway widening, new roadway sections, drainage features, bridge structures, guard rail, fencing, paving, salvaging & replanting cacti & other work.
Motorists are advised to obey all posted speed limit signs within the construction area & be alert for construction crews & personnel working in the area. Impacts to the traveling public are minimal.
Construction is ahead of schedule. Project completion originally planned for August 2009 now estimated to be early November 2008.
TRAFFIC SWITCH:
· Beginning Monday, June 23rd, all traffic on US 60, between MP 213 (approx. 1 mile east of Florence Junction) and MP 223 (near the Arboretum), will be switched onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes.
· Motorists should expect delays of up to 30 minutes on Monday, June 23rd, while the contractor restripes the detour “tie-in” points (where traffic from the old roadway is moved onto the new roadway).
· Once traffic has been switched onto the new eastbound lanes, the contractor will finish construction of the westbound travel lanes. Construction is expected to be complete in November, at which time all traffic will be moved to its permanent configuration.
· Queen Valley access will be by way of the newly constructed Queen Valley Access Road.
Motorists should be alert for large equipment in the area & to watch for flagmen directing traffic.
Relocation of Cactus along the new roadway will be ongoing through September 2008.
For your safety, & the safety of their construction crews, ADOT asks that you please reduce your speed through the construction zone.