Gila Herald Staff Reports
PIMA/THATCHER — Drivers along U.S. Highway 70 in Graham County should prepare for upcoming construction delays as a major pavement rehabilitation project is set to kick off late this month.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that work on the $20.74 million project will span a 5.4-mile stretch of east- and westbound Highway 70, running from Reay Lane in Thatcher (milepost 335) to Cottonwood Wash in Pima (milepost 330).
The upcoming project follows a similar pavement overhaul completed earlier this year on Highway 70 between 8th Street in Safford and Reay Lane.
Crews will begin by milling—removing—the top 2.5 inches of existing roadway before laying down brand-new asphalt. In addition to the fresh surface, the project encompasses comprehensive corridor upgrades:
- Full repaving and new pavement markings
- ADA accessibility improvements, including updated sidewalk and curb ramps
- Reconstruction of driveways and turnouts
- Guardrail and terminal replacements, along with new fencing
- Updated roadway signage
What Drivers Can Expect: Work is scheduled to run through summer 2027, and ADOT warns local commuters to budget extra travel time. Construction traffic controls will feature:
- Daytime Restrictions: Intermittent lane restrictions tentatively scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
- Nighttime Restrictions: Lane closures for paving operations scheduled from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday evenings through Friday mornings.
- Local Access Closures: Temporary closures affecting driveways, sidewalks, and curb access ramps.
- Speed Adjustments: Reduced speed limits throughout active work zones.
Schedules remain subject to change based on weather conditions. Area drivers can sign up for advance closure alerts and email updates directly through ADOT’s project page or monitor real-time traffic conditions via AZ511.
