Staff Reports
SAFFORD – Motorists traveling through Safford on Tuesday night should prepare for a temporary but complete shutdown of U.S. Highway 70 at its intersection with 20th Avenue. As part of the ongoing Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) pavement rehabilitation project, both northbound and southbound lanes will close tonight from approximately 7 p.m. to midnight to allow crews to complete critical paving operations.
Project Background
The larger initiative involves rehabilitating roughly 4.4 miles of U.S. Highway 70 between Reay Lane (milepost 335.6) in Thatcher and 8th Street (milepost 340) in Safford. This $12.2 million effort, which began in late September 2025, includes milling and replacing worn pavement, repairing drainage features, fixing a box culvert, and upgrading signs to improve safety and ride quality along this key east-west corridor in Graham County.
Paving work has progressed into its final stages, with nighttime operations commonly used to minimize daytime disruptions in this busy area. The project has featured intermittent lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and periodic overnight work, with paving activities scheduled to continue through the end of April 2026. The current full closure at the 20th Avenue intersection is intended to allow smoother asphalt placement and curing.
What Drivers Should Expect Tonight
- Full closure: Both directions of U.S. Highway 70 at 20th Avenue will be blocked from ~7 p.m. until midnight.
- Detours required: Travelers should use alternate local routes through Safford to bypass the intersection. Plan extra time for your trip, as detours may add several minutes depending on traffic and the chosen path.
- Work zone safety: Crews will be active with heavy equipment. Obey all signs, flaggers, and reduced speed limits in the vicinity.
