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This 18-foot monster boulder was dislodged during blasting on SR 77 north of Winkelman.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin full daytime closures of State Route 77 between Winkelman and Globe on Monday, Dec. 12 in order to continue a project to remove potentially hazardous rocks in the Dripping Springs area safely.
Blasting that requires a full closure of the highway was being done primarily at night, but the change is being made after an 18-foot-tall limestone boulder fell approximately 150 feet onto the highway early Nov. 30.
The incident underscored the risk for construction crews and the potential hazard to motorists. In addition to the instability of the rock face that is being removed in the Dripping Springs area, use of explosives throws rock that could be dangerous to workers, especially when working in the dark.
In order to complete the operation more safely, full closures of SR 77 between mileposts 154-161 will move to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays starting on Monday, Dec. 12.
The full closure requires a detour using State Route 177 and US 60 to get around the operation during those hours. Additionally, lane closures are likely to occur each work day from 7 a.m. until the highway is closed at 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
During the lane closures, a pilot vehicle will guide motorists in both directions through the work zone and delays of 15 minutes can be expected.
Blasting work requiring the full closures of SR 77 is expected to continue through March 2017. No work or highway closures will occur the week between Dec. 25, 2016 and Jan. 1, 2017.
Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions and closures, but it’s possible that unscheduled impacts might occur because of weather or other factors. For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.
For more information, please call C.T. Revere, ADOT senior community relations officer, at 520.705.3574 or email crevere@azdot.gov.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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