Community

SR 347 work continuing as motorists face delays

Sep 20, 2007

If your trip in and out of Maricopa in the evening hours is taking a little longer, there’s a reason for that.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is in the process of winding down phase 2 of the 10-mile resurfacing project of SR 347 from the Pinal County line south to Edison Road. ADOT Spokesperson Teresa Welborn said the backlog into Maricopa in the evenings is expected with phase 2.

“All work from now on is from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” Welborn said. “Last night (Tuesday) they (workers) were in the southbound left lane. The work has been going in a loop. I received a voice mail from someone at 9:30 p.m. who was experiencing delays. Our original schedule was to be completed by September 20 for the overlay work, but we’re about five days behind. We are scheduled to be done on the 25th.”

As for this evening (Thursday), Welborn said motorists can expect to see workers in the southbound lane, with no work scheduled for Friday and Saturday. “They will be testing southbound tonight due to problems with materials,” Welborn added. Northbound lane work will continue on Sunday evening from 7 p.m. on.

Equipment breakdowns move up the schedule, while weather can also be a factor. According to Welborn, in the last phase (milling), weather was a huge issue.

The next part of the project is work from the county line north. That schedule is supposed to start on Monday (Sept. 24) and include work on the signal at Casa Blanca and SR 347. According to Wellborn, the signal installation will not include any lane restrictions except when the poles are being erected.

Finally, temporary striping has been done on parts of SR 347, but permanent striping will not be finished until the work is done.

The first phase of the project included milling (removing a layer of the existing pavement and recycling the old pavement) of several miles of roadway.

Motorists are advised to watch for construction personnel and public safety officers and to obey all posted speed limit signs while traveling through the construction area.