ADOT: I-17 traffic fix too costly (Phoenix, Flagstaff: buying, schools, transportation)

[Hschlick84]

According to ADOT, the I-17 fix is too costly, of $125 million.

ADOT: I-17 traffic fix too costly to be feasible | The Daily Courier | Prescott, AZ

That's a load of BS in my opinion. Take a look at the interstate west of Denver called I-70. They managed to widen it to 3 lanes both directions up to Empire. West of the Eisenhower tunnel, it's 3 lanes both directions and the inclines and passes are MUCH more steep than anything on I-17.

If it was done in Colorado on I-70, it can be accomplished on I-17. Time to widen it, no excuses.

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6670...2!8i6656?hl=en

[DetroitN8V]

CO has all that pot money though! Maybe we will too soon enough.

[Hschlick84]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

CO has all that pot money though! Maybe we will too soon enough.

Marijuana money isn't going to transportation funds, only schools.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

Marijuana money isn't going to transportation funds, only schools.

With their well funded schools, the newly well-educated employees at CDOT are able to accomplish more with less.

[cactusland]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

With their well funded schools, the newly well-educated employees at CDOT are able to accomplish more with less.

They clearly teach all of the engineering, computer skills required for lane expansion, and job management in K-12.

[Packard fan]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

According to ADOT, the I-17 fix is too costly, of $125 million.

ADOT: I-17 traffic fix too costly to be feasible | The Daily Courier | Prescott, AZ

That's a load of BS in my opinion. Take a look at the interstate west of Denver called I-70. They managed to widen it to 3 lanes both directions up to Empire. West of the Eisenhower tunnel, it's 3 lanes both directions and the inclines and passes are MUCH more steep than anything on I-17.

If it was done in Colorado on I-70, it can be accomplished on I-17. Time to widen it, no excuses.

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6670...2!8i6656?hl=en

That's just stupid there, ADOT. The 17's a major highway with NO surface street option next to it.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by Packard fan

That's just stupid there, ADOT. The 17's a major highway with NO surface street option next to it.

There is an alternate way between Phoenix and Flag, 87 to Clints Well, then Coconino National Forest Rd 3/Lake Mary Rd, paved the whole way and goes right into Flagstaff

[Hschlick84]

Here's an idea, if that section of I-17 is always having problems with traffic and blind spots, ADOT should consider a cheaper alternative. Add frontage roads from Black Canyon city to Sunset Point on the east side of I-17, it's flat and plenty of land.

[Dewey59]

There were some really great comments at the bottom of that article. I had to laugh about the comments about affording roundabouts - soooo true! Some of the comments had great ideas for alternatives. I particularly agree with those regarding the root cause of the backups - speeders and subsequent gawkers.

I too, would love to see this stretch widened, but if nothing is done to decrease the number of accidents, all that will result is a wider parking lot because the gawkers will still slow down to see what is going on. Plus, having another lane will increase the opportunities for speeders - which could actually lead to more accidents. People just need to be patient through that stretch and slow down. I know, I know.... THAT'S not going to happen!

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

According to ADOT, the I-17 fix is too costly, of $125 million.

That's a load of BS in my opinion. Take a look at the interstate west of Denver called I-70. They managed to widen it to 3 lanes both directions up to Empire. West of the Eisenhower tunnel, it's 3 lanes both directions and the inclines and passes are MUCH more steep than anything on I-17.

If it was done in Colorado on I-70, it can be accomplished on I-17. Time to widen it, no excuses.

I'm glad you're not buying all the "lack of revenue" excuses which ADOT is notorious for. You're a new resident, and you probably aren't aware of all the excuses, the lies, and the revenue squandering this agency has been involved in for many years. Every time something happens on a freeway or highway which needs attention, ADOT is always quick with their "lack of money" answer. There are a few posters here who echo the same lame excuses, but they're very misinformed.

I17 north of Phoenix becomes a parking lot the very minute an accident occurs. Pretty much anywhere on I17 north of Anthem has no exits that serve as alternate routes (87 and Lake Mary Road do not count as alternates). I realize a lot of this is the result of idiotic drivers, but there should still be a wider interstate which doesn't need to be completely closed even when a serious accident occurs. Shutting down an entire freeway for one accident is mainly the fault of DPS, but that's another topic.

Originally Posted by Dewey59

There were some really great comments at the bottom of that article. I had to laugh about the comments about affording roundabouts - soooo true! Some of the comments had great ideas for alternatives. I particularly agree with those regarding the root cause of the backups - speeders and subsequent gawkers.

I too, would love to see this stretch widened, but if nothing is done to decrease the number of accidents, all that will result is a wider parking lot because the gawkers will still slow down to see what is going on. Plus, having another lane will increase the opportunities for speeders - which could actually lead to more accidents. People just need to be patient through that stretch and slow down. I know, I know.... THAT'S not going to happen!

Good points, but speed isn't the cause of backups ... slowpokes are mainly to blame for that! It's a matter of knowing WHEN to slow down & proceed with caution. I definitely agree about the rubberneckers/gawkers. There again, they cause the backups because they SLOW DOWN unnecessarily and cause others behind them to hit the brakes.