Flooding in Arizona is taking its toll on the state’s roads and highways.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) said in a post on social media that since Friday, October 30, crews have been “working around the clock responding to record rainfall and flooding that has impacted roadways across the state. “
“From ADOT crews working in the field to dispatchers in the Traffic Operations Center coordinating emergency responses, we continue to monitor conditions, make repairs, remove debris and rocks blocking the roads to reopen highways and make them safe for Arizonans,” ADOT stated.
ADOT released photos of State Road 89A in Oak Creek Canyon which it said offered “just a glimpse of what crews are dealing with.”
The agency said flood waters deposited large piles of boulders and debris, damaged guardrails and undermined the road in several locations.
The Associated Press reported that in all, more than 20 trillion gallons (76 trillion liters) of rain — 10 months of the flow over Niagara Falls — have fallen on the Four Corners states and Nevada in the past two weeks, according to former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue.
ADOT also said motorists can expect to see highway closures in place as crews continue to make repairs.
“We appreciate the dedication of our employees as cleanup efforts continue,” ADOT said.
The southwestern portion of the United States has been pummeled by heavy rain over the last few weeks.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
