US 60 expansion coming soon … not a bypass

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

By Mila Besich-Lira

Representatives from the Arizona Department of Transportation gave two in-depth presentations at the Superior Town Council meeting that took place the first week of Oct. 2012.The first presentation was about how ADOT funds transportation projects and how they are planned throughout the state.

Kathy Boyle of ADOT explained that with the recent decline in the economy and rising fuel costs that revenues to ADOT have declined.She explained that moneys to fund ADOT come through vehicle registrations and fuel taxes however those fees have not increased with inflation and, with fewer people buying new cars, it is creating a decline in revenues at ADOT which stalls construction and maintenance projects throughout the state.

The second presentation by Rod Lane from ADOT gave and overview of the ADOT projects that will be completed over the next three years in the Globe District.He explained that due to current funding most of the projects in the district were maintenance and preservation projects and not expansion work.

One of the hot topics in the presentation was the expansion of US 60 from the Arboretum to Superior; that project is called the Silver King Project.He explained that the project will extend the four lanes where they end now just west of the Arboretum into Superior at the 177 bridge.From the Arboretum to the Superior Airpot the highway will be four lanes of divided highway once entering Superior the highway will be four lanesundivided with a turning lane.This project is planned and budgeted; construction is expected to begin in 2014.ADOT has budgeted $45 million to the project.The Silver King project is one of the only expansion projects slated in the ADOT budget.

Some of the concerns raised about the four lanes coming through Superior is the access to parking for businesses on the highway.Councilmember Chris Tomerlin expressed his concerns that the four lane expansion will hurt the businesses on the highway. He asked if it would possible to just leave the highway as it is.The ADOT representative explained that the four lanes are planned but they will be working with local community leaders and business owner regarding the right of way issues on the highway.Currently many of the businesses are using ADOT right of way as their parking areas.

Local community members have also been concerned that ADOT is planning a US 60 bypass around Superior and the Globe-Miami area.The ADOT representative explained that the bypass is only in the studying phase, the project is not in the planning phase and has not been budgeted.In his presentation he explained that the state transporation board approved the study of a bypass but they have not allocated any budgetary funds for planning or construction.

There had been speculation in the community that ADOT had already made the final plans on both projects without any community input.Lane explained that ADOT will be conducting public hearings and will be working with Town Officials such as the town manager and mayor to ensure the needs of the community are discussed.

Local residents can expect to see some construction in the area of the Arboretum this fall as they begin construction on new parking lots for the park.This construction is not part of the US 60 expansion project and is a separate project that is being coordinated through ADOT for the Arboretum.

For more information on the Silver King project you can visit the project website at: www.adot.gov/us60study.

 To comment on this article and others  visit the Copper Area News Facebook or send us an email at CBNSun@MinerSunBasin.com 

 

admin (8132 Posts)


Facebooktwitterby feather
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Comments are closed.

  • Additional Stories

    Valentine’s month ‘Hearts Rock’ photography at the Arboretum

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    February is a special month for lovers, including lovers of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA). In celebration of this special […]


    Batter up for the 2014 Little League season

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    The Superior Little League Board of directors are gearing up for another community tradition and that is Little League Baseball/Softball. […]


    Need a ride? New service available in Superior

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    Superior – There is a new business in the town of Superior, and it is taking everyone, including the Superior […]


    Superior Police Report

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    According to state law, police may arrest suspected offenders by two methods. The suspect may be physically taken into the […]


  • Additional Stories

    Pastor’s Corner: Training to be a Godly person

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    By Rev. Dennis Van Gorp Family Life Christian Center In 1 Timothy 4:7 & 8 we read, “Train  yourself to […]


    Longoria records double-double in win versus Hayden

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    By Andrew Luberda Superior Sun Junior Ricky Longoria recorded a double-double (22 points and 10 rebounds) as the Panthers earned […]


    Romero, Navarrette lead Lady Panthers in win

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    By Andrew Luberda Superior Sun Player of the Game Cierra Navarrette recorded a double-double (10 points and 10 assists) and […]


    Candidate raises questions about hiring process

    February 5th, 2014
    by

    My name is Lori Ketron and I have been a resident of Superior since July of 2013. I retired from […]


  • Copperarea

  • Southeast Valley Ledger