Phoenix Area Highways

[jakeroot]

Here's an example with sign installed.

I notice the new sign uses the FHWA typeface. Anyone know when ADOT transitioned back? I'm not sure how many signing contracts were approved before the end of the IA.

[Pink Jazz]

Here's an example with sign installed.

I notice the new sign uses the FHWA typeface. Anyone know when ADOT transitioned back? I'm not sure how many signing contracts were approved before the end of the IA.

ADOT stopped using Clearview in late 2015, and ever since the interim approval was reinstated they have chosen not to re-adopt it.

Also, I think another change along the line is that the SMF was originally supposed to use Skyline DMS, but was later changed to Daktronics color DMS.

[ztonyg]

I'm visiting from Michigan. Noticed on the South Mountain Freeway that these cantilevered sign structures have been put up. Are these new to AZ? I know AZ has most recently used a tubular design.

Interesting. It seems like even on newer signs that ADOT has put up elsewhere they have all been monotube. I'm going to guess that this is a contractor design.

Until the 1990s this was what ADOT used to install in the field: https://goo.gl/maps/oXoC7Nq3y7Y5skh78

[Pink Jazz]

Remember that the SMF is a design-build-maintain project, and in DB/DBM/DBOM/DBFOM projects the contractor can be more flexible in the design than a traditional DBB project. I'm guessing these gantries might have been selected by Connect 202 Partners, ADOT's DBM partner on the project.

[Sonic99]

Remember that the SMF is a design-build-maintain project, and in DB/DBM/DBOM/DBFOM projects the contractor can be more flexible in the design than a traditional DBB project. I'm guessing these gantries might have been selected by Connect 202 Partners, ADOT's DBM partner on the project.

I also believe that there's been a pretty big focus on "aesthetics" with this freeway. Lots of little detail things they've planned in to make it visually unique. Wouldn't be surprised if they specifically went for different gantries for that reason.

[Pink Jazz]

BTW, there are also APL signs installed at the I-10/L-202 SanTan/SMF interchange in the EB direction; they haven't bern posted on ADOT's FB as far as I recall, but I noticed them yesterday.

[Zonie]

That was part of the shutdown last weekend, aside from moving the EB L202/Pecos traffic into a different (safer) alignment. 

There are also APL signs on WB I-10 approaching L202.

[ItalianScorpion]

After Loop 202 is completed, what proposed Phoenix area freeway may be constructed next?

I know there's plans for an interim phase of SR 24 out towards Apache Junction that will be built fairly soon. Also extending the 303 further south is happening in the next couple of years. I think the next "new" project will be SR 30. Probably see something happening there within the next 5 years or so.

Was under the impression that 24 is going SE into the San Tan valley.  Or is that part of Apache Junction?

I think it's going to be extended as a parkway (i.e. freeway ramps that will handle all the traffic, but without overpasses as yet) for three miles between Ellsworth and Meridian Rds.  The latter is the Maricopa/Pinal County line.  All of this extension is within the city limits of Mesa or in unincorporated Maricopa County.  It'll be upgraded to a full freeway later.  How much later, I have no idea, but IIRC, it depends on what Pinal County wants to do with their portion of AZ 24.

Where did you see it is going to be extended as a parkway? I'm curious if that's the case because everything I've seen shows regular freeway plans.

[Roadwarriors79]

Plans for the temporary alignment of the future AZ 24 extension can be seen in the link below:

https://azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/state-route-24-ellsworth-road-ironwood-drive-interim-phase-ii

[Max Rockatansky]

Plans for the temporary alignment of the future AZ 24 extension can be seen in the link below:

https://azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/state-route-24-ellsworth-road-ironwood-drive-interim-phase-ii

So essentially how AZ 303 was mostly constructed east of Grand Avenue.

[Roadwarriors79]

The first interchange is open on the South Mountain Freeway. It's at 40th St.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/south-mountain-freeway%E2%80%99s-first-interchange-opens-schedule-0

Some links from Facebook and Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT/status/1170342453871689729

https://www.facebook.com/AZDOT/videos/405361956781933/

[Roadwarriors79]

Two more videos cover the entire South Mountain section of Loop 202. Progress up to early September.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V02YGxzU4Y8 Ahwatukee section



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSsOVhTrPyc Laveen section

[Roadwarriors79]

ADOT just posted a link about the planned North-South Freeway in Pinal County. It's in regards to the environmental impact statement.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/draft-north-south-corridor-environmental-impact-statement-available-review?fbclid=IwAR3U8OjpHEehLDvoEVkoQjYJ-KpriTGwNI6RXJb0iIN98sOp4URtA3p7wu0

[KeithE4Phx]

ADOT just posted a link about the planned North-South Freeway in Pinal County. It's in regards to the environmental impact statement.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/draft-north-south-corridor-environmental-impact-statement-available-review?fbclid=IwAR3U8OjpHEehLDvoEVkoQjYJ-KpriTGwNI6RXJb0iIN98sOp4URtA3p7wu0

A freeway there would be a godsend to us east Mesa/AJ/Gilbert/Santan Valley residents.  Right now, the shortest route to Tucson for us is US 60 to AZ 79, unless one wants to go way out of the way and take the Loop 202 to I-10.  Too bad it likely won't be built in my lifetime.

[splashflash]

The proposed freeway parallels SR79, albeit miles away.  Is that route developed to such an extent that converting it into a freeway would be infeasible?

I see that US60 would be rerouted for several miles together with the new freeway.  Perhaps the project would be staged in phases and that work would be done in the nearer future?

A connection with SR24 is shown,  and part of the freeway project, a logical move, but does not connect east to SR79.

[jakeroot]

ADOT just posted a link about the planned North-South Freeway in Pinal County. It's in regards to the environmental impact statement.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/draft-north-south-corridor-environmental-impact-statement-available-review?fbclid=IwAR3U8OjpHEehLDvoEVkoQjYJ-KpriTGwNI6RXJb0iIN98sOp4URtA3p7wu0

A freeway there would be a godsend to us east Mesa/AJ/Gilbert/Santan Valley residents.  Right now, the shortest route to Tucson for us is US 60 to AZ 79, unless one wants to go way out of the way and take the Loop 202 to I-10.  Too bad it likely won't be built in my lifetime.

Admittedly, my experience is with Phoenix, which I think uses separate funding for their freeways. But the EIS process does seem to take a lot less time in Arizona. I bet it'll fully built by 2027. Mark my words.

[Sonic99]

I'm curious just how feasible piggy-backing off some of the existing roads out there might help them get it done cheaper and easier. For example, using the brand-new I-10/AZ 87 interchange (no, it's not flyovers, I realize) and basically overlaying a new highway on top of 87 at least part of the way there might be better than a completely new alignment.

[Max Rockatansky]

ADOT has been pushing Florence and Coolidge as the next big suburbs for the last two decades, I'm not convinced.  There is still a crap ton of empty desert out there beyond San Tan that probably won't fill up soon.  While the alternate to I-10 in the Gila Reservation would be nice for East Valley traffic I can't help but question the projections...much like I-11 west of the White Tanks. 

[Roadwarriors79]

Recent driving video of the Pecos segment of Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway (shortly before the 40th St ramps opened):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvlYIgMm2OM

[Pink Jazz]

One thing I just noticed that is new to Arizona is painted shields on the pavement at interchanges. I just saw new US 60 shields painted on Loop 101 SB in Tempe. I presume ADOT resisted these due to potential sun fade (particularly with Interstate shields); I wonder how will they hold up.

[Roadwarriors79]

Video of South Mountain Freeway corridor (from the Salt River, Papago, and Center Segments):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGH9j5WwMWw&t=259s

[Buffaboy]

Passing through Arizona and Phoenix right now, I am very impressed with the quality of the highways here. Obviously the weather is not as brutal as the East Coast and Great Lakes region, but even still everything just feels clean. It makes Buffalo look like a real one-horse town. The HOV lanes are also very useful.

[rte66man]

One thing I just noticed that is new to Arizona is painted shields on the pavement at interchanges. I just saw new US 60 shields painted on Loop 101 SB in Tempe. I presume ADOT resisted these due to potential sun fade (particularly with Interstate shields); I wonder how will they hold up.

If it's like the ones in Oklahoma City, not very long. It seems as if they last about 2 years before they become mostly illegible.

[Roadwarriors79]

Here is a recent drone video of the Center Segment of Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtP9HWuIgSE

[Pink Jazz]

The Town of Gilbert now seems to be using FYG for its Pedestrian Crossing signs at least in RRFB installations.  I'm not sure it is exclusively used for new RRFB installations or if it is applied universally for all new installations.