U.S. 191 North paving project through the Black Hills causing delays

Staff Reports

BLACK HILLS – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) pavement preservation project between Safford and Clifton restarted Sept. 19 and up to 15 minutes delays have been reported. 

The project is on U.S. Highway 191 North from milepost 139 to 151. 

According to ADOT, drivers should plan for occasional lane restrictions and delays where crews are working. Motorists may encounter shoulder closures, single-lane travel, and flaggers with possible pilot car operations at times. 

The project includes milling the road surface, sealing cracks, building up the shoulders, paving, installing guardrails, and rumble strips both along the centerline and the edge.

On Monday, crews began to grind the pavement in various locations. The final layer of pavement is scheduled to be placed in late September or early October.  

Vehicles should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment. 

Commuters to Freeport McMoRan Inc.’s Morenci Mine operations should give themselves extra time to make it to work without being late as daily traffic delays are expected through mid-October.