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Background
In cooperation with the Town of Florence, the Arizona Department of Transportation is evaluating the intersection of State Route 79 and 79B in Florence in order to recommend upgrades and/or improvements. In 2010, ADOT evaluated three alternatives for improvement based on design, safety, construction cost, constructability and public input. After further evaluation, ADOT developed a new fourth alternative in fall 2011 that would potentially enhance safety and improve traffic flow at the intersection.
Design and construction are expected to take place when a short term traffic study (see below) for the fourth alternative has been completed. The final recommendation will be funded using federal safety funds.
Northbound SR 79B test closure scheduled February 1 – 15, 2012
ADOT and the Town of Florence will be conducting a short-term study to test and evaluate the aforementioned fourth alternative that may enhance safety at the SR 79 and 79B intersection in Florence. This new alternative would use existing roadways and would not require new construction or right of way.
The short-term test study involves temporarily closing a short section that connects northbound SR 79 to northbound SR 79B (access to downtown Florence) for two weeks between February 1 – 15, 2012 to evaluate whether the closure could be permanent. During the test closure, motorists traveling northbound on SR 79 to downtown Florence (Main Street) or to SR 287 (Coolidge) will be directed to continue north passing the SR 79B turnoff, and turning left on Butte Avenue. See map for more details.
Because public input is an important part of the process, a survey will be mailed to nearby residents, businesses and schools near the completion of the temporary road closure. The survey will also be available online in mid-February 2012.
We highly encourage the public in and around the Florence area to complete the survey so that the public’s input about the temporary closure and its potential to be permanent can be documented. Results of the public survey will be available late spring 2012. All technical data and public feedback will be evaluated for a final recommendation.
Survey
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