Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Freeport McMoRan donated two solar-powered speed limit signs on Norton Road to advise travelers when they are speeding.
Contributed Article/Courtesy Graham County
CENTRAL – Motorists on Norton Road may notice a bright new feature reminding them about the speed limit: solar-powered speed radar signs. A recent donation of two signs to the Graham County Highway Department by Freeport-McMoRan Safford Operations offered an opportunity to make a difference on a busy stretch of roadway where vehicle speeds are sometimes a concern.
“Safety is our highest priority at Freeport-McMoRan, which made this project and donation a great fit. As we wrapped up the Lone Star project at Safford operations, we had two-speed signs to repurpose and began to consider how we might partner with the community to put them to work,” said Jeff Monteith, General Manager, Freeport-McMoRan Safford.
“Over the past few years with increased activity at the site for the Lone Star Project, there have been associated increases in traffic from contractors, carriers, and even our employees. Given those increases for a residential area like Norton, this seemed like a great starting point for a partnership with the County Highway Department, and we’re grateful they were willing to work with us,” he said.
Graham County Manager Dustin Welker shares that “the signs are a great step in addressing concerns we’ve heard from Norton Road residents. Given that law enforcement is spread thin across such a large geography, engineered safety controls such as these signs are a helpful resource to influence driving behaviors by reminding motorists about the speed zone changes on Norton. We are very grateful to Freeport-McMoRan for providing the resources for this improvement, and we appreciate our continuous partnership with them.”
To reach Freeport-McMoRan with a concern or a request, please contact the toll-free Community Information line, staffed and available 24/7 at (877) 629-2609. You also may contact Freeport-McMoRan Safford Community Development at (928) 792-5937 or email at swenham@fmi.com.
