ADOT admitted it messed up.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said a “breakdown in communication” was partially to blame for turning John Wayne Parkway into a temporary parking lot Thursday in an email provided by State Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Casa Grande).

On behalf of ADOT leaders, Chief Legislative Liaison Anthony Casselman told Martinez while the asphalt plant’s breakdown was out of their control, their own breakdown communicating with Maricopa city officials was on them.

“ADOT sincerely apologizes for the delays and frustration experienced by Maricopa drivers,” he wrote, adding, “there was also a breakdown in communication between the project team, the city and the ADOT Traffic Operations Center.”

He detailed how the team did not immediately notify city officials or request help with traffic control, communicating only via text messages “rather than picking up the phone.”

The contractor opted not to temporarily reopen the restricted lane, he added as another mea culpa.

In response, Casselman said the department was creating a formal “phone tree” for more timely communication among all parties and on AZ511 in the future, as well as making sure backup plans are in place to reopen the roadway if needed.

Martinez, who represents Maricopa and has long advocated for advancing the city’s transportation projects, said she hopes the snafu highlights the need for change.

“I think this stresses how important this road is,” Martinez said in response to the ADOT email. “It’s crucial for ADOT to get this right and get these improvements done as soon as possible.”

Crews finished paving work Saturday and Casselman estimated the new third lane will open to traffic within the next two weeks. He also added final lane striping will take place next month, with some lane restrictions anticipated.

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