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Project 1 Project 2 Weekly Updates Communications FAQs
Project 1
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In the Fall of 2006, ADOT began constructing improvements to SR 179 from south of the Village of Oak Creek, through a beautiful stretch of Coconino National Forest, to Back OBeyond Road. At the southbound portion of the project is the new Forest Service Ranger Station.
Highlights of the improvements in this area include:
- Roundabouts at key intersections for continuous traffic movement.
- Dedicated turn lanes for increased mobility
- Sidewalks and pathways that run nearly the entire length of the project for outstanding walkability, including a meandering sidewalk through the Village
- Improvements to the Bell Rock Vista scenic pullout and Little Horse trailhead, and the addition of two brand new scenic pullouts with parking (one northbound MP at 308.3 and one southbound MP at 308.5)
- The northbound and southbound lanes through the Coconino National Forest will be bifurcated, which means they move independently of each other (rather than side by side). There is a wide, variable, swath of land between the two lanes that varies from 50 to 1,500 feet.
- There will be passing lanes in each direction on the bifurcated section. Each passing lane will be approximately three-quarters of a mile long and located on the uphill approaches to Bell Rock (northbound between MP 307 and 308; southbound between MP 308 and 309).
- Two new bridges were built on the new alignment in the Forest Service
- Improved drainage system throughout the area, which is particularly significant in the Village of Oak Creek.
- Upgraded infrastructure for utilities
The New Alignment Through the Forest Service
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The new southbound alignment through the Forest is almost complete. With paving underway, the road is being prepared for a traffic switch. At that time, two-way traffic will be traveling on the new segment, and work will commence on the complete re-build of the existing route through the forest.
When the project is complete, northbound traffic will travel on the newly constructed existing alignment (where traffic travels currently), and southbound traffic will travel on the new alignment. Separating these two travel lanes will provide a safe, relaxing travel experience for motorists enjoying the beauty of the forest segment. The travel lanes will be 12 feet wide, and 8-foot shoulders will accommodate bicycle traffic and allow room for emergency vehicles to pass. Curb and gutter will define the roadway edges and discourage motorists from pulling off the side of the road illegally as they do today, and new scenic pullouts will provide ample parking and opportunities for spectacular views.